There Was an Old Lady
by Jeremy Holmes
Chronicle Books 2009
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- humor
- animals
- cumulative rhyme
- nonsense
- prediction and sequencing
- cause and effect
- rhythm and repetition
About this book
This inventive take on the classic rhyme follows an old lady who keeps swallowing bigger and bigger animals, all told with playful, cumulative verse. Jeremy Holmes’s bold, graphic art and clever book design make the familiar tale feel fresh and funny for young readers. The repetition invites kids to chime in, predict what comes next, and build early reading confidence. Perfect for storytime and giggles, it’s a lively introduction to rhythm, sequencing, and rhyme.
Setting: a playful, nonsensical household setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Was an Old Lady right for my child?
Yes — There Was an Old Lady is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 humor, animals, cumulative rhyme.
How long does it take to read There Was an Old Lady?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, There Was an Old Lady takes around 2m to finish. The book has 250 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does There Was an Old Lady have an AR quiz?
Yes — There Was an Old Lady 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 Was an Old Lady?
There Was an Old Lady has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.