Just One of Those Days
by Jill Murphy
Pan Macmillan 2020
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family life
- resilience
- bad day
- empathy
- working parents
- humor
- comfort and reassurance
About this book
This warm, funny picture book follows the Bear family through a rainy day when everything seems to go a little bit wrong. From a rushed morning to small mishaps at work and nursery, the Bears stick together and keep going. Jill Murphy’s gentle storytelling and expressive art capture the ups and downs of everyday family life. Perfect for young children who will recognize their own routines—and the reassurance that tomorrow is a fresh start.
Setting: a contemporary family home, nursery, and workplaces on a rainy day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Just One of Those Days right for my child?
Yes — Just One of Those Days is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 family life, resilience, bad day.
How long does it take to read Just One of Those Days?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Just One of Those Days takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Just One of Those Days have an AR quiz?
Yes — Just One of Those Days 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 Just One of Those Days?
Just One of Those Days has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.