Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
This installment introduces a kitten clone, adding a layer of emotion to the usual slapstick and explosions. It is a fast-paced story that offers a bit more depth than the earlier books.
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey is estimated to take about 39 minutes to read aloud (4,130 words, about 3 sentences a page), and it lands best with children aged 6-8.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 39 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 4,130Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 3Sentences per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 5/5still good at forty
- Vocabulary level
- 2/5everyday words
- Best for
- Ages 6-8Our editorial fit
Our review
While the story still features plenty of chases, this book begins to introduce more complex emotional beats through the relationship between the characters.
It is ideal for readers who have completed the first two books and are looking for the next chapter in the series. The mix of humor and emotion gives it some extra weight.
Before you buy it
The scene where Petey leaves Li'l Petey in a box can be surprisingly sad for some children. Because this is the third book, the emotional impact of Petey's actions only truly hits if the reader already has a dislike for him. It also doesn't read well if you are attempting to read the series out of order.
Themes
- comics
- dogs
- cats
- fathers and sons
- kindness
Books like Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
Dog Man Unleashedabout 43 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Dog Manabout 47 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Cat Kid Comic Clubabout 45 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earthabout 50.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
The Bad Guys in the Furball Strikes Backabout 30.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties aloud?
About 39 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 4,130. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties actually for?
Ages 6-8 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 3 sentences a page and vocabulary at 2 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties survive being read on repeat?
Yes - this is one of the few that is still fine on the fortieth reading, which is why it scores 5 out of 5 with us.
Will my child memorise Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties?
It can. It scores 5 out of 5 with us for holding up to repeat reading, and children tend to learn by heart the books they ask for most, even without a strong refrain.
Can a beginning reader read Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties on their own?
Not yet. At vocabulary level 2 out of 5 and 3 sentences a page, it is a read-aloud book rather than a first solo read. Read it to them now, and hand it over in a year or two.
Is Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Dog Man series. It stands on its own, so you can start here without reading the others in order, then move to the rest if it lands.
What themes does Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties cover?
We tag it with comics, dogs, cats, fathers and sons and kindness. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
