Over in the meadow
by John M. Langstaff, Feodor Rojankovsky
William Heinemann Ltd 1989
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- counting and numbers
- nature and animals
- rhythm and rhyme
- parent-child bonds
- observation
- habitats
- music and folk songs
About this book
This classic counting rhyme follows animal mothers and their babies living “over in the meadow,” moving from one to ten with playful, musical repetition. John M. Langstaff’s adaptation is perfect for reading or singing aloud, and Feodor Rojankovsky’s nature-filled illustrations invite kids to spot, name, and count creatures on each page. It’s a gentle, rhythmic way to build early number sense, vocabulary, and phonological awareness. Ideal for preschool through early elementary readers who enjoy patterns, songs, and animal stories.
Setting: a sunny countryside meadow with animal families
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Over in the meadow right for my child?
Yes — Over in the meadow is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, 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 counting and numbers, nature and animals, rhythm and rhyme.
How long does it take to read Over in the meadow?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Over in the meadow takes around 3m to finish. The book has 350 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Over in the meadow have an AR quiz?
Yes — Over in the meadow 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 Over in the meadow?
Over in the meadow has an AR reading level of 2.1, 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.