The Cat on the Mat Is Flat Guided Reading Level

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 · 920 ratings  · 96 reviews

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Jan 14, 2010 Mary Ann rated it it was amazing

fantastic book for early readers who want to feel like they're reading a big chapter book. controlled vocabulary (all rhyming, short words - would support a phonics approach very well) but humor that kids will love fantastic book for early readers who want to feel like they're reading a big chapter book. controlled vocabulary (all rhyming, short words - would support a phonics approach very well) but humor that kids will love ...more

creative
fun
and
funny

I'm obviously not in any way a poet but you & your kids will enjoy & just admire their creativity in rhyming :)

creative
fun
and
funny

I'm obviously not in any way a poet but you & your kids will enjoy & just admire their creativity in rhyming :)

...more

Isabella's review #4 of 1000: I like the book because it was funny. My favorite one was
"Pinky Ponky,
The Shonky.
Wonky,
Bonky
Donkey"

because her legs are wonky, her brain is bonky, her tail is shonky and because she is a donkey. I like donkeys becuase they have stuff that you can pull and you can sit on them and ride them like horses. I know someone that sat on a donkey: Carmen from church.

In one of the stories someone says yee-haw to a pig.

100 stars.

love, Isabealla.
to the reader.

Isabella's review #4 of 1000: I like the book because it was funny. My favorite one was
"Pinky Ponky,
The Shonky.
Wonky,
Bonky
Donkey"

because her legs are wonky, her brain is bonky, her tail is shonky and because she is a donkey. I like donkeys becuase they have stuff that you can pull and you can sit on them and ride them like horses. I know someone that sat on a donkey: Carmen from church.

In one of the stories someone says yee-haw to a pig.

100 stars.

love, Isabealla.
to the reader.

...more

This book was a PERFECT find for my 1st grader. It is a book of silly rhymes with silly sketches. It starts out fairly easy to read and then gets a bit more difficult. It really helped with his speed and fluency, and it made both of us laugh out loud. The book is quite thick (166 pages) and he feels proud reading such a big book, even though it is fairly easy to get through. And I know that he will want to read it over again and again. It is my favorite book for this age group. LOVE IT!!!

Apr 05, 2014 Margaux rated it it was amazing

This book is, in my mind, in a category all it's own. The author writes for the niche audience of early elementary schoolers who might be struggling with reading. Because it's in chapter book format, children need not be embarrassed for reading below their level. Can easily be disguised as a Captain Underpants read-alike with the playful doodle-esque illustrations. This book is, in my mind, in a category all it's own. The author writes for the niche audience of early elementary schoolers who might be struggling with reading. Because it's in chapter book format, children need not be embarrassed for reading below their level. Can easily be disguised as a Captain Underpants read-alike with the playful doodle-esque illustrations. ...more

Jun 18, 2012 Katie rated it it was amazing

This is Shel Silverstein meets Dr. Seuss... sort of. This children's book is as much fun to read out loud as it is to hear it read. Because of the cover, which is a little dark, my five-year-old daughter wasn't originally interested. But when it was my turn to choose the book I chose this one and before we were done with the first rhyming story, she was captivated. Highly recommended. This is Shel Silverstein meets Dr. Seuss... sort of. This children's book is as much fun to read out loud as it is to hear it read. Because of the cover, which is a little dark, my five-year-old daughter wasn't originally interested. But when it was my turn to choose the book I chose this one and before we were done with the first rhyming story, she was captivated. Highly recommended. ...more

Nov 06, 2014 Mckelle rated it it was amazing

This book is perfect for learning readers. It has a lot of repetition of words and word endings to help the young guys, yet it is also a lot of fun. My kindergartner loves to be read to, but isn't yet crazy about reading himself. This is the only book thus far that he has actually wanted to read. I'm a fan! This book is perfect for learning readers. It has a lot of repetition of words and word endings to help the young guys, yet it is also a lot of fun. My kindergartner loves to be read to, but isn't yet crazy about reading himself. This is the only book thus far that he has actually wanted to read. I'm a fan! ...more

Apr 23, 2014 Brandy rated it it was amazing

A must read to beginning readers or for transitional readers. The giggles multiple if you read it after The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat by Karlin. Hello, Parody! Glad to meetcha! Its this kind of silliness that keeps my boy interested.

Nice books andy you are my favourite writer yet!!!!!!!

I chose this rating I was like OMG LOL
Nice books Andy and terry so funny like that cat got crushed under a base ball bat

Oct 25, 2016 Lorri rated it really liked it

My son really enjoyed this at 5 years old. He enjoyed being able to read it and not feeling intimidated by the words. Also it made him laugh and we laughed together. Loved it!

Jan 12, 2019 Robin rated it really liked it

High-appeal rhyming stories, but the true brilliance of this is that it is at the level of a beginning reader, yet cleverly disguised as a chapter book. Perfect for kids who are still learning to decode and want to feel and look like they are reading at a higher level. Ages 5-10.

I think it was a prety mych funny one!

The book was read.
And then I went to bed.
It was good in my head.
The cat is dead.

No cats were harmed in the writing of this review.

Similar to The Big Fat Cow That Goes Kapow, this book contains more elaborated stories that rhythm.

Aug 09, 2020 Jessie rated it liked it

I found the constant rhyming in this book to be insufferable. I also found the art style unappealing. Kids would probably enjoy it, though, between the playing with language and the humor.

Nov 25, 2020 Kristin rated it liked it

My son could read this by himself, and loved it. It's a collection of short stories written in rhyme, with illustrations; all fun and entertaining for a 6 year old.

Nov 28, 2016 Tina Reitz rated it really liked it

Really cute for those new readers! With great sight words and popcorn words.

Nov 13, 2009 Valerie rated it really liked it

Summary:
In this collection of nine short stories written in poetic verse, Griffiths uses repetitive text to create simplistic, but quite humorous tales. Some of the titles are "The Cat, The Mat, The Rat, and the Baseball Bat, Ed and Ted and Ted's Dog Fred, and Frog on a Log in a Bog." Similar to Dr. Seuess' use of simplistic rhyming stories, Griffiths work is written in a cyclical manner (almost like a tongue twister), needing to be read more than once to grasp his meaning. For example from "Ed Summary:
In this collection of nine short stories written in poetic verse, Griffiths uses repetitive text to create simplistic, but quite humorous tales. Some of the titles are "The Cat, The Mat, The Rat, and the Baseball Bat, Ed and Ted and Ted's Dog Fred, and Frog on a Log in a Bog." Similar to Dr. Seuess' use of simplistic rhyming stories, Griffiths work is written in a cyclical manner (almost like a tongue twister), needing to be read more than once to grasp his meaning. For example from "Ed and Ted and Ted's Dog Fred," the story opens with "There was a man whose name was Ed. He lived in a shed with his friend Ted. Ted had a dog whose name was Fred. Ed liked Ted and Ted liked Ed and Fred liked Ted but he didn't like Ed..." Although the words he has chosen are "easy" to read (cat, mat, log, frog, etc.), the meaning behind each story may require higher level thinking to grasp. Terry Denton's black and white cartoon-like illustrations support the text VERY well, adding to the playful manner of the text. ...more

Mar 18, 2015 Ms. Kelly rated it really liked it

With great humor and what is quickly becoming a classic mixture of comic drawings and traditional book layouts, this book is the perfect step up from Bob Books. In fact, they employ many of the same word combinations, except they are not NEARLY as babyish.

For kids who perhaps struggle with sounding out words, and conceptualizing reading, and even just might not enjoy reading yet, this could be the perfect bridge. It is packaged like a big kid book. Nice cover, artwork is not at all babyish, yet

With great humor and what is quickly becoming a classic mixture of comic drawings and traditional book layouts, this book is the perfect step up from Bob Books. In fact, they employ many of the same word combinations, except they are not NEARLY as babyish.

For kids who perhaps struggle with sounding out words, and conceptualizing reading, and even just might not enjoy reading yet, this could be the perfect bridge. It is packaged like a big kid book. Nice cover, artwork is not at all babyish, yet it allows for some who may be behind in their reading to still get in on the joke. And there are plenty of them. Rats hitting cats with bats, Jack the yak jumping out of a sack and fleeing on horseback, and kangaroos lending kids their super-roo-glue are all part of the wordplay humor.

Recommended for both emerging and reluctant readers.

...more

Oct 12, 2012 Chris rated it liked it

My Comments:
The modern day version of Dr. Seuss with cuter pictures and easier text. This book is a series of short "chapters" about animals with rhyming names, like "Frog on a Log in a Bog" and the story goes on from there using as many "alike" words as the author can think of and more! A great first reader that would not at all be boring. Good for K-1st grade. Scribbly line drawings of frantic, stick-limbed figures add appropriately manic touches. The only problem for me is that it is shelved
My Comments:
The modern day version of Dr. Seuss with cuter pictures and easier text. This book is a series of short "chapters" about animals with rhyming names, like "Frog on a Log in a Bog" and the story goes on from there using as many "alike" words as the author can think of and more! A great first reader that would not at all be boring. Good for K-1st grade. Scribbly line drawings of frantic, stick-limbed figures add appropriately manic touches. The only problem for me is that it is shelved in the kid's fiction section of our library and not in the readers where I think it belongs.
...more

Sep 16, 2009 Dree rated it liked it

This book is a collection of funny tongue-twisting rhymes. And I was reading them out loud, so trust me when I say tongue-twisting. "The Cat, The Mat, The Rat, and The Baseball Bat" was my 6yo's favorite.

I would have given this four stars, but the last rhyme, "Andy G, Terry D, the Brave Tea Lady, and the Evil Bee" struck me as being a ripoff of the book A Fly Went By (which I have read many many MANY times). Just much much shorter.

This book is a collection of funny tongue-twisting rhymes. And I was reading them out loud, so trust me when I say tongue-twisting. "The Cat, The Mat, The Rat, and The Baseball Bat" was my 6yo's favorite.

I would have given this four stars, but the last rhyme, "Andy G, Terry D, the Brave Tea Lady, and the Evil Bee" struck me as being a ripoff of the book A Fly Went By (which I have read many many MANY times). Just much much shorter.

...more

Mar 30, 2015 Diana rated it really liked it

Using a fun, relaxed combination of illustration and minimal wording, this collection of very simple stories uses rhyming and rhythm to allow young readers to feel the accomplishment of reading a chapter book. The stories are very simple and silly - young kids find them hilarious but even adults will chuckle.

This book, and other works from this writing team, will be a go to recommendation for me from now on - for new young readers looking for a challenge and those reluctant readers who might st

Using a fun, relaxed combination of illustration and minimal wording, this collection of very simple stories uses rhyming and rhythm to allow young readers to feel the accomplishment of reading a chapter book. The stories are very simple and silly - young kids find them hilarious but even adults will chuckle.

This book, and other works from this writing team, will be a go to recommendation for me from now on - for new young readers looking for a challenge and those reluctant readers who might still be looking for the right book.

...more

Jul 24, 2016 Erin Ewing rated it really liked it

The Cat on the Mat is Flat has the look of a chapter book but is actually composed of short, Seuss-like easy text tongue twisters . Reading them aloud is a hoot and is very addicting. Although the text is very easy (1st grade level) the content is a bit edgy making this a great book for older reluctant readers. The illustrations are rudimentary and hilarious to match the laugh-out-loud text. This message accompanied one of the reviews: WARNING: This book may self-destruct if used to teach a less The Cat on the Mat is Flat has the look of a chapter book but is actually composed of short, Seuss-like easy text tongue twisters . Reading them aloud is a hoot and is very addicting. Although the text is very easy (1st grade level) the content is a bit edgy making this a great book for older reluctant readers. The illustrations are rudimentary and hilarious to match the laugh-out-loud text. This message accompanied one of the reviews: WARNING: This book may self-destruct if used to teach a lesson. Ha!! ...more

I read this book to my second graders and we had so much fun with it! Would make a great chapter book for reluctant readers.

September 2013 - Just re-read this book with my 6 year old daughter, and for the life of me cannot remember what I liked so much about it when I shared it with my 2nd graders. This time around it seemed too violent... Goes to show you how much your mood and frame of mind at the time of reading something can impact how you feel about it!

Dec 15, 2011 Lauren rated it liked it

I'm not really sure how to catalog this book. It is essentially an early reader but not a good fit for that section in my library. I do think this is a great example of high-interest low level. I think you could give this to many kids (probably boys more than girls) who are reading way below grade level and they wouldn't feel like they had a "baby book". The drawings are funny and a bit crude, which I think kids will think is cool. But they do a good job reflecting the meaning of the text. I'm not really sure how to catalog this book. It is essentially an early reader but not a good fit for that section in my library. I do think this is a great example of high-interest low level. I think you could give this to many kids (probably boys more than girls) who are reading way below grade level and they wouldn't feel like they had a "baby book". The drawings are funny and a bit crude, which I think kids will think is cool. But they do a good job reflecting the meaning of the text. ...more

"Around and around and around the mat the rat chased the cat with a baseball bat until...KERSPLAT!" I can't think of a better book for boys who are struggling readers or simply reluctant ones. These silly rhymes are fun to share and can be quite the tongue twisters. I would definitely recommend this one to those who are dying to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but not quite ready for the reading level. "Around and around and around the mat the rat chased the cat with a baseball bat until...KERSPLAT!" I can't think of a better book for boys who are struggling readers or simply reluctant ones. These silly rhymes are fun to share and can be quite the tongue twisters. I would definitely recommend this one to those who are dying to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but not quite ready for the reading level. ...more

Andy Griffiths is Australia's most popular children's writer. He is the author of over 20 books, including nonsense verse, short stories, comic novels and plays. Over the past 15 years Andy's books have been New York Times bestsellers, won over 50 children's choice awards, been adapted as a television cartoon series and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Andy is best known as the author of the

Andy Griffiths is Australia's most popular children's writer. He is the author of over 20 books, including nonsense verse, short stories, comic novels and plays. Over the past 15 years Andy's books have been New York Times bestsellers, won over 50 children's choice awards, been adapted as a television cartoon series and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Andy is best known as the author of the much-loved Just! series and The Day My Bum Went Psycho. In 2008 Andy became the first Australian author to win six children's choice awards in one year for Just Shocking!, smashing his previous record of 4 awards for The Bad Book in 2005.

In 2008 Andy and his wife Jill collaborated with The Bell Shakespeare Company on the popular and critically acclaimed theatrical production Just Macbeth! which was nominated for two Helpmann Awards. In July 2010 Just Macbeth!completed a return sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it received rave reviews. The book of the play was shortlisted in the children's section of the 2010 Prime Minister's Literary Awards.

Andy has had a long-standing collaboration with the multi-talented illustrator Terry Denton. Together they have produced theJust! series, the wildly popular The Bad Book and The Very Bad Book, the ridiculous illustrated guide What Bumosaur is That?, and the Seussian-inspired early readers The Cat on the Mat is Flat and The Big Fat Cow that Goes Kapow! Their latest book is The 13-Storey Treehouse (September 2011).

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andygr...

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The Cat on the Mat Is Flat Guided Reading Level

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