Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear
by N. M. Bodecker
Margaret K. McElderry Books 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- seasons and change
- hard work and responsibility
- humor
- family life
- preparing for winter
- rural life
- gender roles
- perseverance
About this book
In this playful, rhyming picture book, a husband calls out a nonstop list of chores as Mary hurries to prepare their home for winter. The lively verse builds with humorous urgency while detailed illustrations show the bustle of late-autumn tasks on a cozy farm. Young readers enjoy the catchy rhythm, vivid vocabulary, and funny twist as the work piles up. Perfect for read-alouds with preschool to early elementary children, especially during the fall season.
Setting: a rural New England farmhouse in late autumn
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear right for my child?
Yes — Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 seasons and change, hard work and responsibility, humor.
How long does it take to read Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear takes around 2m to finish. The book has 230 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear 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 Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear?
Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.