Cows Can't Fly
by David Milgrim
Scholastic 1998
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- open-mindedness
- seeing is believing
- humor
- creativity
- challenging assumptions
About this book
A boy draws wings on a cow, and soon he starts seeing real cows soaring through the sky—though no one else believes him. This playful picture book celebrates big imaginations and the magic of looking up and wondering "what if?" With simple, funny text and bright illustrations, it’s perfect for early listeners and new readers. Kids enjoy the silly premise, the surprise sightings, and the invitation to notice the world around them.
Setting: a contemporary town and sky
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cows Can't Fly right for my child?
Yes — Cows Can't Fly is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.5, which is typical for 1st 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 imagination, open-mindedness, seeing is believing.
How long does it take to read Cows Can't Fly?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Cows Can't Fly takes around 4m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cows Can't Fly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cows Can't Fly 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 Cows Can't Fly?
Cows Can't Fly has an AR reading level of 1.5, which places it at a 1st 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.