The Family Under the Bridge
About
Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.
Read one section at a time, then discuss the questions to review understanding. These questions are a starting place for conversation, not a complete test of the chapter.
Chapter 1
Comprehension questions
What is the setting of this book?
Page 1 — Paris, France in December
1
Describe the main character.
Page 1 — An older man named Armand who chooses to live on the street and desires no riches
1
What does Armand compare the children to?
Page 4 — Starlings
4
Chapter 2
Comprehension questions
Why is Armand worried that the children will steal his heart?
Page 15 — He doesn’t want to have feelings of love for them
15
Why was the children’s mother upset when she saw Armand sharing space with her children?
Page 13 — She was surprised to see him living in the same space as her children
13
Why was Armand set on taking the children to see Father Christmas?
Page 18 — Their mother wouldn’t approve of it
18
Chapter 3
Comprehension questions
Why was Armand describing the food the children saw with disgusting attributes?
Page 24 — He didn’t want them to desire it
24
How did Father Christmas respond when the children told him they wanted a house to live in for Christmas?
Page 27 — He was shocked and said his donkey couldn’t carry it
27
Why didn’t the children and Armand belong in that store?
Page 28 — It was a fancy store and only with people with money could buy something in it
28
Chapter 4
Comprehension questions
Find a simile on page 31.
They sang like three little birds on a branch in the springtime.
How did Armand purchase food for the children to eat?
Page 31 — He told them to sing then asked for alms and people gave him money
31
On page 33, the author states that the man at the pancake stand waited until Armand showed him his money before he poured the batter, why?
To make sure Armand could pay for the pancakes
How did the children’s mom react when she found out the children sang for money?
Page 37 — She was very upset and told the children they couldn’t see Armand anymore
37
Chapter 5
Comprehension questions
Why did Armand take the children away from the bridge?
Page 43 — Two women saw the children and were going to take them away and put their mama in jail
43
Where did Armand take the children?
Page 49 — To his gypsy friend, Mireli
49
What persuaded the children to ask Father Christmas for a house on wheels?
Page 51 — The children saw their new friend’s home and realized Father Christmas could pull it with his donkey
51
Chapter 6
Comprehension questions
Describe the children’s mama’s reaction to staying in the gypsy camp.
Page 57 — She didn’t like it at first since she doesn’t like gypsies, but then learned to appreciate it
57
What did Tinka teach Suzy?
Page 59 — Symbols that gypsies read and use
59
Why did Suzy want Armand to go see Father Christmas?
Page 62 — To tell Father Christmas where they live now and what they want for Christmas
62
Chapter 7
Comprehension questions
How did the Calcets spend Christmas Eve?
Page 65 — At a holiday party on the quay by their bridge and going to midnight mass
65
Why did Armand lie to the children about their home?
Page 68 — Because he didn’t want to see them disappointed
68
How can you tell that Armand hasn’t prayed for a long time?
Page 70 — He’d forgotten how
70
Chapter 8
Comprehension questions
Why did the gypsies pack up their camp and prepare to leave?
Page 77 — A police officer was looking for Nikki, one of the gypsies
77
Why was the police officer looking for Nikki?
Page 83 — He was bringing Nikki’s lost wallet to him
83
How did Paul inspire Armand?
Page 84 — Paul tried to get a job to help the family but couldn’t, and Armand realized he should be the one getting the job
84
Chapter 9
Comprehension questions
Describe the ending. Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?
Listen to your child’s answers
How did Armand change during the book?
Page 97 — He went from not wanting to work or be responsible for anything to wanting to work so he could be responsible for his new family
97
Downloads
All the book’s resources, or just the ones you need, ready to read or print.
Worksheets
Practice sheets with space to write your answers.
Download one reading section
A small printout with all the resources for the selected section.
