The Ant and the Grasshopper
by Amy Lowry, Aesop
2000
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- hard work vs. play
- responsibility
- planning and preparation
- choices and consequences
- community
- generosity
- seasons and nature
About this book
This classic Aesop fable, retold and illustrated by Amy Lowry, contrasts busy ants storing food for winter with a carefree grasshopper who prefers to sing and play. Simple text and inviting art make the lesson about planning ahead easy for young readers to grasp. Perfect for read-alouds and early independent reading, it sparks conversations about choices and consequences. Kids enjoy the lively seasonal scenes and the memorable characters’ different approaches to work and play.
Setting: a meadow and ant colony across the seasons, summer to winter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ant and the Grasshopper right for my child?
Yes — The Ant and the Grasshopper 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 hard work vs. play, responsibility, planning and preparation.
How long does it take to read The Ant and the Grasshopper?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Ant and the Grasshopper takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Ant and the Grasshopper have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Ant and the Grasshopper 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 The Ant and the Grasshopper?
The Ant and the Grasshopper 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.