
Little Raccoon and Thing
by Lilian Moore, Scholastic, Incorporated
Scholastic 1963
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- facing fears
- curiosity
- problem-solving
- self-discovery
- courage
- perseverance
- friendship/acceptance
About this book
Little Raccoon meets a mysterious 'Thing' that stares back at him from the water, and he isn’t quite sure what to do about it. With gentle humor and simple, repeating text, this early reader follows his attempts to understand the unknown. It’s a reassuring story about bravery and problem-solving that supports developing readers. Ideal for children who enjoy animal stories and gaining confidence through relatable challenges.
Setting: a woodland forest near a pond
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Raccoon and Thing right for my child?
Yes — Little Raccoon and Thing 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 facing fears, curiosity, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Little Raccoon and Thing?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Little Raccoon and Thing takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Little Raccoon and Thing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Little Raccoon and Thing 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 Little Raccoon and Thing?
Little Raccoon and Thing 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.