Elmer and the kangaroo
by David McKee
Scholastic 2002
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- self-confidence
- kindness
- helping others
- community
- acceptance
- problem-solving
About this book
Elmer meets a worried kangaroo who’s new to the jungle and not sure he can live up to his own hopping reputation. With Elmer’s gentle encouragement and some playful problem-solving, the kangaroo discovers what he can really do. Bright, patchwork illustrations and simple, humorous text make this a joyful read-aloud. Great for young listeners and emerging readers who enjoy stories about helping friends and building confidence.
Setting: a bright, colorful jungle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elmer and the kangaroo right for my child?
Yes — Elmer and the kangaroo 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 friendship, self-confidence, kindness.
How long does it take to read Elmer and the kangaroo?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Elmer and the kangaroo takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Elmer and the kangaroo have an AR quiz?
Yes — Elmer and the kangaroo 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 Elmer and the kangaroo?
Elmer and the kangaroo 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.