Thomas in Africa
Friends Around the World
by Random House
Random House Books for Young Readers 2018
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- exploration
- teamwork
- helping others
- cultural diversity
- curiosity
- problem-solving
About this book
Thomas heads to Africa in a set of short adventures inspired by the Big World! Big Adventures! movie, meeting new engine friends and discovering amazing wildlife along the way. Simple sentences and colorful art make this an inviting choice for emerging readers and Thomas & Friends fans. Kids enjoy the globe-trotting setting, friendly characters, and gentle lessons about helping others and trying new things. Perfect for read-alouds or confident beginning readers who love trains and travel.
Setting: various locations across Africa in the present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas in Africa right for my child?
Yes — Thomas in Africa is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.7, which is typical for 1st 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 friendship, exploration, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Thomas in Africa?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Thomas in Africa takes around 7m to finish. The book has 550 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thomas in Africa have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thomas in Africa 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 Thomas in Africa?
Thomas in Africa has an AR reading level of 1.7, which places it at a 1st 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.