Thesaurus Rex
by Laya Steinberg
Barefoot Books 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- wordplay
- language and vocabulary
- curiosity
- imagination
- playfulness
- daily routines
About this book
A playful dinosaur named Thesaurus Rex turns everyday activities into a lively parade of synonyms, inviting kids to explore rich language through bouncy rhyme. Each page pairs simple actions with fun, descriptive word choices that build vocabulary without feeling like a lesson. Perfect for read-aloud time, it engages young listeners who love dinosaurs and wordplay. Ideal for early elementary readers and language learners who enjoy rhythm, repetition, and silly scenes.
Setting: a playful, everyday world with a friendly dinosaur (backyard, beach, and bedtime scenes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thesaurus Rex right for my child?
Yes — Thesaurus Rex 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 wordplay, language and vocabulary, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Thesaurus Rex?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Thesaurus Rex takes around 3m to finish. The book has 350 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thesaurus Rex have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thesaurus Rex 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 Thesaurus Rex?
Thesaurus Rex 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.