What's the big idea, Molly?
by Valeri Gorbachev
Penguin 2010
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- creativity
- friendship
- problem-solving
- imagination
- teamwork
- perseverance
About this book
Molly wants to come up with a big idea, but every time she tries, her animal friends chime in with their own silly suggestions. As they brainstorm together, the group discovers that creativity can be messy, funny, and full of surprises. Gentle humor, lively dialogue, and warm illustrations make this a reassuring read for young creators. Perfect for early elementary readers who enjoy school stories and books about imagination.
Setting: an early elementary school classroom and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's the big idea, Molly? right for my child?
Yes — What's the big idea, Molly? is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 creativity, friendship, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read What's the big idea, Molly??
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, What's the big idea, Molly? takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What's the big idea, Molly? have an AR quiz?
Yes — What's the big idea, Molly? 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 What's the big idea, Molly??
What's the big idea, Molly? has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.