The Princess and the Pea
by Janet Stevens
1982
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- royalty
- belonging
- perseverance
- kindness
- truth and tests
About this book
This classic fairy tale, retold and illustrated by Janet Stevens, follows a prince searching for a true princess and a mysterious test involving a tiny pea and towering mattresses. Lively, expressive art and a simple, rhythmic text make it a fun and accessible read-aloud for young listeners. Kids enjoy the royal setting, the silly scale of the test, and the playful twist on what makes someone a princess. Perfect for early elementary readers and families who love timeless tales.
Setting: a royal castle in an old-fashioned European kingdom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Princess and the Pea right for my child?
Yes — The Princess and the Pea is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 identity, royalty, belonging.
How long does it take to read The Princess and the Pea?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Princess and the Pea takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Princess and the Pea have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Princess and the Pea 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 Princess and the Pea?
The Princess and the Pea has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.