The Seals on the Bus
by Lenny Hort
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2003
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- rhythm and rhyme
- humor
- animals and sounds
- family outing
- community
- transportation
- cause and effect
About this book
A playful twist on the classic song, this picture book follows a family riding a city bus as a parade of noisy animals hops on board. With rhythmic, repeatable lines and big sound words, kids will love singing along and making the animal noises. The predictable pattern supports emerging readers and makes it perfect for storytime. Ideal for preschool and early elementary children who enjoy silly humor and interactive read-alouds.
Setting: a contemporary city bus, all through the town
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Seals on the Bus right for my child?
Yes — The Seals on the Bus is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.7, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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 rhythm and rhyme, humor, animals and sounds.
How long does it take to read The Seals on the Bus?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, The Seals on the Bus takes around 7m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Seals on the Bus have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Seals on the 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 Seals on the Bus?
The Seals on the Bus has an AR reading level of 0.7, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.