Old Bob's Brown Bear
by Niki Daly
Bloomsbury Children's 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- intergenerational relationships
- kindness
- community
- empathy
- loss and finding
- memory
- comfort objects
About this book
Old Bob treasures his worn brown teddy bear, a constant companion that holds a lifetime of memories. A curious child from the neighborhood befriends Old Bob, and together they discover how a simple toy can spark stories, comfort, and connection. Niki Daly’s warm, detailed art and gentle humor celebrate intergenerational friendship and the special magic of a well-loved bear. A cozy read‑aloud for preschool and early elementary children who enjoy quiet, heartfelt stories.
Setting: a small-town neighborhood in the present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Bob's Brown Bear right for my child?
Yes — Old Bob's Brown Bear 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 friendship, intergenerational relationships, kindness.
How long does it take to read Old Bob's Brown Bear?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Old Bob's Brown Bear takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Old Bob's Brown Bear have an AR quiz?
Yes — Old Bob's Brown 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 Bob's Brown Bear?
Old Bob's Brown Bear 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.