Ice Cream Bear
Scholastic 1997
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- humor
- adventure
- food and treats
- rhyme and wordplay
- playfulness
- summer fun
About this book
Ice Cream Bear is a bouncy, rhyming picture book about a polar bear with an outsized love for frozen treats. As he chases the perfect scoop, the world around him becomes a frosty, ice-cream playground, brought to life with Jez Alborough’s bold, playful art. The simple, rhythmic text is ideal for reading aloud and for emerging readers to try on their own. Perfect for preschool through early elementary kids who love silly adventures, cool treats, and lively wordplay.
Setting: a seaside town and a whimsical, ice-cream-filled fantasy world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ice Cream Bear right for my child?
Yes — Ice Cream Bear is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 imagination, humor, adventure.
How long does it take to read Ice Cream Bear?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Ice Cream Bear takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ice Cream Bear have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ice Cream Bear 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 Ice Cream Bear?
Ice Cream Bear has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.