My Very First Mother Goose
by Iona Archibald Opie, Rosemary Wells
Candlewick Press 1996
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- rhythm and rhyme
- language play
- folklore and tradition
- early literacy
- animals and nursery characters
- humor
- family and bedtime
- imagination
About this book
This large, beautifully illustrated collection gathers sixty classic Mother Goose rhymes, from Hey Diddle, Diddle to Pat-a-Cake. Rosemary Wells’s warm watercolors pair with Iona Opie’s definitive selections to make a perfect first poetry book for toddlers and early readers. The bouncy rhythms and playful language invite children to chant along, building early literacy and a love of words. A cozy read-aloud for lap time, bedtime, and classroom sharing.
Setting: classic nursery rhyme worlds and cozy everyday scenes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Very First Mother Goose right for my child?
Yes — My Very First Mother Goose 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 rhythm and rhyme, language play, folklore and tradition.
How long does it take to read My Very First Mother Goose?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, My Very First Mother Goose takes around 13m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Very First Mother Goose have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Very First Mother Goose 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 My Very First Mother Goose?
My Very First Mother Goose 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.