Old Cricket
by Lisa Wheeler
Tandem Library 2003
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- humor
- honesty
- aging
- cleverness
- responsibility
- perseverance
- consequences
- community
About this book
Old Cricket would rather avoid chores than strain his creaky joints, so he sets out with a string of clever excuses—and discovers that a little movement can go a long way. This humorous, tall-tale style picture book follows his encounters with other animals as his fibs and fussing land him in lively situations. With playful language and rhythm, it’s a fun read-aloud for younger listeners and new readers. Kids enjoy the silly wordplay, expressive art, and the gentle nudge toward honesty and perseverance.
Setting: a rural farmyard and nearby meadow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Cricket right for my child?
Yes — Old Cricket is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, which is typical for 3rd 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 humor, honesty, aging.
How long does it take to read Old Cricket?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Old Cricket takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Old Cricket have an AR quiz?
Yes — Old Cricket 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 Cricket?
Old Cricket has an AR reading level of 3.2, which places it at a 3rd 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.