Old Bear
by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books 2008
Old Bear and Friends
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- nature and seasons
- hibernation
- imagination and dreams
- renewal and hope
- passage of time
- comfort and coziness
About this book
As winter settles in, an old bear falls asleep and dreams he is young again, roaming through the changing seasons. The story moves from snowy quiet to colorful spring, sunny summer, and crisp autumn, all seen through the bear’s gentle, dreamy imagination. Simple text and luminous art make this a cozy read-aloud for preschoolers and early readers. Kids love the soothing rhythm, the nature imagery, and the hopeful feeling of renewal.
Setting: a forest across the four seasons, with dreamlike landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Bear right for my child?
Yes — Old Bear is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 nature and seasons, hibernation, imagination and dreams.
How long does it take to read Old Bear?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Old Bear takes around 3m to finish. The book has 320 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Old Bear have an AR quiz?
Yes — Old Bear 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 Old Bear?
Old Bear has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.