What reading level is Stubby?

Stubby by Kate Klimo is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 660L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Stubby appropriate for?

Stubby is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8LE (Light — Emotional).

Does Stubby have any content warnings?

Stubby has a HootRating of 8LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Stubby?

Stubby by Kate Klimo is 149 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Stubby

Kate Klimo

Stubby

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Kate Klimo

Illustrated by Jessell, Tim, illustrator

Reading Level 3-4 8LE Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The sharp scent of gunpowder mixes with the muddy earth beneath Stubby's paws as he trots through the noisy camp. Every bark and whistle carries the weight of adventure and the promise of bravery. From stray pup to a hero of the battlefield, Stubby's journey is filled with courage and heart.

Themes

Friendship Adventure HistoricalWorking dogsWorld War I

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction book tells the true story of Stubby, a stray dog who became a celebrated war mascot during World War I. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces young children to historical events through the eyes of an animal protagonist, blending adventure with educational content. The story touches on themes of bravery and friendship, with mild references to wartime dangers that are sensitively handled.

Why we rated Stubby 8LE

Stubby is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 660L across 149 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stubby works for readers up to grade 5.5.

We rate Stubby as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Stubby explores friendship, adventure, historical, working dogs, and world war i — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, adventure, historical.