Fairytale news
by Hawkins, Colin.
Candlewick Press 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- fractured fairy tales
- community and helping
- bravery
- problem-solving
- resourcefulness
- humor and wordplay
- intertextuality
- kindness
About this book
Jack zips through a bustling fairy-tale town delivering the Fairytale News and bumping into familiar characters like Red Riding Hood, the Three Bears, and more. Playful headlines, jokes, and sight gags invite kids to explore each page and spot storybook references. This humorous twist on classic tales is great for read-alouds and emerging readers who enjoy fractured fairy tales. Fans of silly, layered picture books will love the lively art and clever connections between stories.
Setting: a lively fairy-tale town filled with classic storybook characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairytale news right for my child?
Yes — Fairytale news is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 fractured fairy tales, community and helping, bravery.
How long does it take to read Fairytale news?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Fairytale news takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fairytale news have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fairytale news 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 Fairytale news?
Fairytale news has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.