There's no such thing as a dragon
by Jack Kent
Golden Books 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- acknowledgment and validation
- family dynamics
- communication
- responsibility
- problem-solving
- imagination
- honesty
- cause and effect
About this book
When Billy wakes up to find a small dragon on his bed, his mother insists there’s no such thing—and the dragon seems to grow every time it’s ignored. This humorous picture book plays with the idea that problems can get bigger when we pretend they aren’t there. With friendly art and gentle wit, it’s perfect for read‑alouds and early independent readers. Kids love the silly escalation and the cheerful, cartoony dragon.
Setting: a family home in a quiet suburban neighborhood, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There's no such thing as a dragon right for my child?
Yes — There's no such thing as a dragon 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 acknowledgment and validation, family dynamics, communication.
How long does it take to read There's no such thing as a dragon?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, There's no such thing as a dragon takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does There's no such thing as a dragon have an AR quiz?
Yes — There's no such thing as a dragon 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 There's no such thing as a dragon?
There's no such thing as a dragon 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.