Possum Stew
by Doug Cushman
Dutton Juvenile 1990
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- trickery and pranks
- cleverness
- consequences and responsibility
- humor
- friendship
- forgiveness
About this book
Possum loves to play tricks on his neighbors, but Gator and Bear are tired of being the butt of the joke. When they hint at cooking up a batch of possum stew, Possum has to think fast. This humorous, read-aloud picture book offers a gentle lesson about how pranks feel on the other side, with lively animal characters and rhythmic, Southern-flavored fun. Perfect for K–2 readers who enjoy trickster tales and silly surprises.
Setting: a Southern woodland/bayou
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Possum Stew right for my child?
Yes — Possum Stew is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 trickery and pranks, cleverness, consequences and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Possum Stew?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Possum Stew takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Possum Stew have an AR quiz?
Yes — Possum Stew 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 Possum Stew?
Possum Stew has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.