Ballet of the elephants
by Leda Schubert
Roaring Brook Press 2006
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- creativity
- collaboration
- performing arts
- innovation
- perseverance
- showmanship
- animals
- history
About this book
This lively nonfiction picture book tells the true story of how choreographer George Balanchine and composer Igor Stravinsky created a whimsical ballet for the Ringling Bros. circus—starring 50 elephants. With playful language and dynamic illustrations, it introduces young readers to music, dance, and the magic of showmaking. Kids enjoy the surprising mix of high art and circus fun, plus fascinating details about rehearsals, costumes, and performance. A great pick for children who love animals, the arts, or unusual true stories.
Setting: Ringling Bros. circus, United States, early 1940s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballet of the elephants right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ballet of the elephants. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 creativity, collaboration, performing arts.
How long does it take to read Ballet of the elephants?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ballet of the elephants takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ballet of the elephants have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ballet of the elephants 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 Ballet of the elephants?
Ballet of the elephants has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.