Night Tree
by Eve Bunting
Harcourt 1991
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- family traditions
- generosity
- nature and wildlife
- stewardship
- winter and holidays
- community
- gratitude
- wonder
About this book
Each year on a winter night, a family hikes into the woods to find their special tree and decorate it with popcorn, fruit, and seeds for the animals. This gentle, lyrical picture book celebrates generosity, nature, and a cozy family tradition at Christmastime. Perfect for read-alouds, it invites children to notice wildlife and the quiet magic of the forest at night. Kids enjoy the warm family togetherness, the nighttime adventure, and the idea of giving back to nature.
Setting: a snowy forest at night near a small town, Christmastime
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Night Tree right for my child?
Yes — Night Tree is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 traditions, generosity, nature and wildlife.
How long does it take to read Night Tree?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Night Tree takes around 8m to finish. The book has 950 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Night Tree have an AR quiz?
Yes — Night Tree 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 Night Tree?
Night Tree has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.