Lazy Jack and the silent princess
by Mitchell Motomora
Raintree Publishers 1989
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- cleverness
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- kindness
- consequences of laziness
- humor
- quests and challenges
About this book
This retelling of a classic folk tale follows Jack, a boy far better at daydreaming than doing chores. When news spreads of a princess who will not speak, Jack sets out to test his luck and wit. Along the way, he learns that clever thinking, kindness, and persistence can open unexpected doors. With clear text and inviting illustrations, it’s a fun read-aloud for younger elementary readers and a confidence-builder for new independent readers.
Setting: a traditional fairy-tale kingdom, once upon a time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lazy Jack and the silent princess right for my child?
Yes — Lazy Jack and the silent princess is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, which is typical for 3rd 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 cleverness, perseverance, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Lazy Jack and the silent princess?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Lazy Jack and the silent princess takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lazy Jack and the silent princess have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lazy Jack and the silent princess 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 Lazy Jack and the silent princess?
Lazy Jack and the silent princess has an AR reading level of 3.3, which places it at a 3rd 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.