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Jumping day book cover

Jumping day

by Barbara Juster Esbensen

Boyds Mills Press 1999

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Poetry

Themes

  • joy of movement
  • nature and seasons
  • imagination
  • play and exploration
  • sensory language
  • family and daily routines

About this book

Jumping Day is a lyrical picture book that celebrates the pure joy of movement. From morning to bedtime, a child leaps over puddles, piles of leaves, and patches of snow, seeing the world as a place made for jumping. Esbensen’s playful language and rhythm make it a lively read-aloud that invites kids to move and imagine. Perfect for young listeners and emerging readers who love outdoor play and poetry.

Setting: a child’s home, yard, and neighborhood over the course of a lively day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jumping day right for my child?

Yes — Jumping day is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2, 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 joy of movement, nature and seasons, imagination.

How long does it take to read Jumping day?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Jumping day takes around 4m to finish. The book has 420 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Jumping day have an AR quiz?

Yes — Jumping day 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 Jumping day?

Jumping day has an AR reading level of 2, 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.