What The Animals Were Waiting For
Scholastic 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- nature's cycles
- anticipation and patience
- weather and seasons
- animal behavior
- community of the wild
- senses and observation
About this book
This lyrical picture book follows animals across sunbaked grasslands as they pause, listen, and sense a big change coming to their world. With rhythmic, sensory language, Jonathan London invites young readers to notice clues in nature the way wild creatures do. It’s a calm, anticipatory read-aloud perfect for preschool through early elementary, building observation skills and a love of the natural world. Kids enjoy the gentle suspense and the vivid animal moments on every page.
Setting: open grasslands/savanna just before a dramatic change in the weather
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is What The Animals Were Waiting For right for my child?
Yes — What The Animals Were Waiting For is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include nature's cycles, anticipation and patience, weather and seasons.
How long does it take to read What The Animals Were Waiting For?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, What The Animals Were Waiting For takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What The Animals Were Waiting For have an AR quiz?
Yes — What The Animals Were Waiting For has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is What The Animals Were Waiting For?
What The Animals Were Waiting For has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.