Coyote and the laughing butterflies
by Harriet Peck Taylor
Simon & Schuster, Limited 2015
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- trickster tales
- curiosity
- humility
- respect for nature
- playfulness
- consequences
- perseverance
About this book
In this Southwestern trickster tale, Coyote is dazzled by a cloud of bright, laughing butterflies and can’t resist joining their playful dance. His chase leads to a lighthearted lesson about humility and paying attention to the world around him. Harriet Peck Taylor’s vivid batik-style art brings the desert landscape and its creatures to life. Great for read‑alouds with ages 5–8 and for early independent readers who love animal stories and folklore.
Setting: the deserts of the American Southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coyote and the laughing butterflies right for my child?
Yes — Coyote and the laughing butterflies is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, which is typical for 3rd 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 trickster tales, curiosity, humility.
How long does it take to read Coyote and the laughing butterflies?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Coyote and the laughing butterflies takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Coyote and the laughing butterflies have an AR quiz?
Yes — Coyote and the laughing butterflies 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 Coyote and the laughing butterflies?
Coyote and the laughing butterflies has an AR reading level of 3, which places it at a 3rd 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.