Edward the Emu
by Sheena Knowles, Rod Clement
Collins Educational 1992
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- self-acceptance
- identity
- belonging
- curiosity
- trying new things
- humor
- zoo life
About this book
Edward is an emu at the zoo who decides life might be better as someone else, so he tries out being the lion, the snake, and more. Told in lively rhyme with playful illustrations, his adventures are funny and fast-paced. Young readers enjoy the rhythm, animal antics, and the satisfying message. It’s a great read-aloud that celebrates being yourself.
Setting: a city zoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edward the Emu right for my child?
Yes — Edward the Emu is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 self-acceptance, identity, belonging.
How long does it take to read Edward the Emu?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Edward the Emu takes around 5m to finish. The book has 560 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Edward the Emu have an AR quiz?
Yes — Edward the Emu 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 Edward the Emu?
Edward the Emu has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.