Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile
by Won-Ldy Paye
Square Fish 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- cleverness
- trickery
- problem-solving
- survival
- courage
- predator and prey
- resourcefulness
- wit over strength
About this book
This lively Liberian folktale retells what happens when Mrs. Chicken meets a very hungry crocodile by the river and must think fast to get home safely. Playful language and bold, patterned illustrations bring the humor and tension to life for young listeners. Perfect for read-alouds, it celebrates quick thinking and wordplay while introducing children to West African storytelling. Kids enjoy the clever twist and the satisfying, funny ending.
Setting: a West African (Liberian) village and riverbank
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile right for my child?
Yes — Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 cleverness, trickery, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile 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 Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile?
Mrs. Chicken and the hungry crocodile has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.