The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus)
by Joanna Cole
Scholastic Inc. 2016
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity and inquiry
- science and discovery
- teamwork
- exploration and adventure
- paleontology
- respect for nature
- problem-solving
About this book
Ms. Frizzle turns the Magic School Bus into a time machine and whisks her class back to the age of dinosaurs. Along the way, the kids explore different species, habitats, diets, and even a nesting ground, all through lively text, funny sidebars, and detailed illustrations. Perfect for young dinosaur fans and curious readers, it mixes story and science in an engaging, kid-friendly way. Families love it for its humor, clear explanations, and packed-in facts.
Setting: prehistoric Earth (Mesozoic era), various dinosaur habitats and a nesting ground
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus). The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 curiosity and inquiry, science and discovery, teamwork.
How long does it take to read The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus) takes around 17m to finish. The book has 2,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus) 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 In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus)?
The In the Time of the Dinosaurs (The Magic School Bus) has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.