Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice
by Steven Metzger
Scholastic 2008
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- counting and numbers
- family
- humor
- cause and effect
- winter
- animals
- rhyme and repetition
About this book
This playful, rhyming counting book follows five adventurous penguins who keep slipping on the ice, much to the worry of their mama and the ever-patient doctor. With bouncy repetition kids can chant along to, it counts down from five to one and back again. Perfect for storytime, it supports early number sense, prediction, and phonological awareness. Young readers love the silly tumbles, wintry setting, and the chance to join in on the refrain.
Setting: a snowy polar landscape on the ice
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice right for my child?
Yes — Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1, 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 counting and numbers, family, humor.
How long does it take to read Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice takes around 3m to finish. The book has 250 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice have an AR quiz?
Yes — Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice 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 Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice?
Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice has an AR reading level of 1, 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.