Tag Archives: GRL Q

Comprehension Questions – Little House: #1 Little House in the Big Woods

Little House in the Big Woods

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grades 2-3; Genre - Historical Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 5.0

The Ingalls family is snug in their Wisconsin house in spite of blizzards, wolves, and the lonely forest.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting in this story. 1800’s; Wisconsin when only a few settlers had begun to develop the land
  2. Who’s the main character and her family? Laura, her older sister Mary, Carrie her younger sister, and her Ma and Pa p.2

Chapter 2

  1. List and describe the chore/day you would enjoy the best. Listen to your child’s answer p.29
  2. What’s comforting to Laura during the long cold winter? Safely being inside the cozy cabin with the fire p.38

Chapter 3

  1. Summarize this chapter. Laura and Mary helped Pa clean and load his gun; Pa told a story when he was young about how he should have listened to his father and being alone in the woods in the dark p.45

Chapter 4

  1. Compare how traveling was back in the early settler days to our day today. Early days, they traveled in sleds pulled by horses all covered in blankets and bundled up; today, we can jump in a vehicle, train, or plane and have a heater to keep us warm p.64
  2. Describe how the children made “pictures”. They’d fall from a stump and land in the snow, trying not to touch and make other prints in the snow p.65
  3. Summarize the story Uncle Peter shared and why it was so scary. Aunt Eliza wanted to go to the spring, but the dog wouldn’t let her; later they found a panther had been in the tree above the spring; the dog saved her from the panther p.68

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a Sunday for Mary and Laura and compare it to your Sunday. Mary and Laura’s-take bath Saturday night; sit quietly all day; couldn’t play with toys or each other; couldn’t sew; could look at pictures in the Bible or animal book; listen to your child’s answer p.84

Chapter 6

  1. Tell me the stories of the two bears in this chapter. 1st bear: It was dark, and Laura went to help her mother milk the cow; they thought the cow had gotten out of the barn; there was a gate, but mother couldn’t open it all the way to get to the cow, so she slapped the cow and realized it was a large bear; she and Laura hurried to the house and made it safely in; 2nd bear: Pa was coming home from town in the dark and saw a bear standing in his way off the road; Pa didn’t have his gun, so he picked up a branch and ran at the bear; when he hit the bear he realized it was just a large stump p.104

Chapter 7

  1. Explain sugar snow. It’s a spring snow that keeps the trees just cold enough to extend the the maple syrup harvest p.127

Chapter 8

  1. Was this a fun chapter to read? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 9

  1. Why hadn’t Laura known the sky was so large? She and her family lived in the woods with trees all around them, they couldn’t see the vastness of the sky p.164

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Laura jealous of Mary? Mary has golden hair, she looked good and sweet, the storekeeper commented how pretty she was, she kept her dress clean and minded her manners, her candy had a poem on it p.175

Chapter 10

  1. How did Pa get honey in this chapter? He found a bear eating honey from a tree; he chased the bear away, cut down the tree and filled all the containers he brought from home p.195

Chapter 11

  1. Can you answer Laura’s question? How is Charlie a liar? He cried out like he was in trouble three times and there wasn’t anything wrong p.211
  2. Does this remind you of another story? The boy who cried wolf

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Ma and Laura made hats out of straw; It was time to harvest the garden and grain; Pa convinced his neighbor to hire a threshing machine to come and separate the wheat; it took all day and the girls helped their Ma prepare dinner p.221

Chapter 13

  1. Why didn’t Pa shoot any animals when he went hunting? He was too curious watching them p.232
  2. Tell me a part of this story you really enjoyed. Why? Listen to your child’s answer 

Comprehension Questions – A Nest for Celeste

A Nest for Celeste

by Henry Cole

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 4.0

Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a nearby Louisiana plantation in 1821.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Celeste. She’s a mouse; lives in a house below the floorboards; she weaves baskets p.11

Chapter 2

  1. How did the rats treat Celeste? They’re mean and bully her; they boss her around and eat her food and take what they want from her home p.18

Chapter 3

  1. Describe the family in the house. Wealthy, live on a plantation; mother, father, and daughter; daughter is named Eliza and is old enough to be courted and is going to learn to dance; the family has hired a dance instructor who has brought along his assistant p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. The rats came to the main floor impatient as they waited for Celeste; the rats went ahead to find the crumbs under the table and didn’t see the cat; the cat caught and killed one of the rats named Trixie p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What is preventing Celeste from going to her home? The cat; it knows where she lives now p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why hadn’t Celeste realized the beautiful place she lived? She always stayed on the ground and near the dining room; now she has ventured on the stair railing and to the upper floor of the housep.58
  2. Where did Celeste sleep that night? In the boot of the assistant p.64

Chapter 7 

  1. Why did Celeste think the snoring was strange? It wasn’t there the night before; the guest was back from his hunting trip p.75

Chapter 8

  1. How did Joseph respond when he found Celeste in his boot? He was happy and kind; he put her in a tiny cage for company p.80

Chapter 9

  1. Why is Celeste confused with Joseph’s behavior toward her? She thinks he’s going to eat or hurt her, but he is kind and sees her as a friend p.87

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Celeste miss having a home? She couldn’t run, escape, and hide p.101

Chapter 11

  1. Is Joseph a good friend to Celeste? Why or why not? Yes, he’s gentle with her, feeds her, puts her in his pocket and includes her p.108

Chapter 12

  1. Summarize this chapter. Joseph took Celeste outside to sketch; hunters came and killed a large number of birds with guns p.118
  2. Why was Joseph upset by this? the hunters killed so many birds it didn’t feel like hunting, it felt like a slaughter p.119

Chapter 13

  1. How did Celeste’s life differ now than from the beginning of this story? She had someone who cared about her; she left the house and went on adventures; she didn’t need to worry about food; she saw things that made her sad p.124

Chapter 14

  1. Why is Mr. Audubon shooting birds? He uses them as a model p.131
  2. What terrified Celeste in this chapter? Joseph got shot in the head and she thought he was dead p.138

Chapter 15

  1. Do you agree with Audubon’s or Joseph’s philosophy? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.144

Chapter 16

  1. Share Celeste‘s history. She lived in a field with her family; she left the nest and a tractor came and killed her family and ruined her home; a groundhog helped her p.159

Chapter 17

  1. Why was there so much chaos when Celeste went outside? A storm was coming p.170

Chapter 18

  1. Why was the storm so scary for Celeste? She was so small; raindrops were as large as her ears; the wind blew her into what felt like a raging river p.178

Chapter 19

  1. How did Celeste feel in this chapter? Exhausted; sore and stiff; tired p.186

Chapter 20

  1. Describe Lafayette. He’s an osprey; kind; helpful; talkative; wants to help Celeste p.191

Chapter 21

  1. What’s a gondola? A small, long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, propelled with a single oar, especially in Venice. A hanging platform or car for transporting people or cargo.
  2. Which definition matches what Celeste is making? A hanging car for transporting people p.200

Chapter 22

  1. How did Lafayette react when he saw the gondola? He was impressed and thought it was clever p.206

Chapter 23

  1. Describe Celeste’s experience flying with Lafayette. It was a wonderful adventure; she loved it; she soared high above the trees and saw gators and rivers p.213

Chapter 24

  1. What was Celeste’s plan for the thrush in this chapter? She has asked him to stand on the dogwood and sing for Joseph; she knew Joseph would be in inspired by the bird’s song p.224

Chapter 25

  1. What’s the definition of instinct? an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli 
  2. What was Cornelius’s instinct telling him? To fly south p.238

Chapter 26

  1. Describe Celeste’s predicament in this chapter? The cat found her, so she ran and escaped p.241

Chapter 27

  1. What’s Celeste’s plan to help Lafayette? To pose and look more alive p.263

Chapter 28

  1. Describe the outcome of Celeste’s plan? Audubon was happy; he never got frustrated p.272

Chapter 29

  1. In what two ways did Celeste help Lafayette? She saved his life and she freed him from the leather cord p.275

Chapter 30

  1. What did Celeste find and who do you think it belonged to? A dollhouse; Eliza p.282

Chapter 31

  1. What emotions did Celeste feel in this chapter? Why? Happy to have a new home; sad because she was alone p.291

Chapter 32

  1. How do you think Celeste felt to see Trixie in her new home? Sad; Trixie wasn’t a good friend p.299

Chapter 33

  1. Why didn’t Celeste feel like she could ask Lafayette to give Trixie a ride in the gondola? She didn’t know if he’d want to take her p.305

Chapter 34

  1. How has Trixie stolen Celeste’s home? she’s eaten her food and makes herself at home p.309

Chapter 35

  1. Whose fault is it that Trixie isn’t coming back? Her own; she shouldn’t have yanked the cord so hard as to break it p.314

Chapter 36

  1. Do you think Celeste should have gone back to her little house while Joseph was gone to dinner? Listen to your child’s answer; she was followed by the cat and couldn’t get back to Joseph p.322
  2. Predict what you think will happen. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 37

  1. What helped Celeste’s nest feel like a home? Friends p.336

Comprehension Questions – The Hardy Boys #6 The Shore Road Mystery

The Shore Road Mystery

by Franklin W. Dixon

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts. 5.0

Frank and Joe Hardy encounter a perplexing set of mysteries when they agree to help their friend Jack Dodd and his father locate a family treasure.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What mysterious happenings went on in this chapter? Someone was stealing cars; Jack’s boat hit something in the water that caused a hole; Jack said he had a 300 year old mystery his family wanted help with; their friend’s car was also stolen p.1

Chapter 2

  1. Define what a pun is. The usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound p.13
  2. What was the emergency at Jack’s farm? Jack and his dad were being accused of stealing the cars p.18
  3. What evidence did the police have? The car was on their property, they police received a “tip-off” that they were the ashore Road thieves; Jack’s fishing pole was in the trunk of the car p.18

Chapter 3

  1. How did the Dodd’s get out of prison? Mr. Hardy helped them post bail p.21
  2. Summarize the other mystery the Dodd’s need helped with. The Pilgrim mystery; their ancestor left the Plymouth Colony with his family in a boat in search of a horseshoe-shaped inlet ((Barmet Bay); there was a storm and a bottle with a message; they want to find out what happened to their ancestor, if he made it to the inlet and/or if he perished in the storm; there’s a treasure chest of gems and journals p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why do the boys think that the Dodd’s might have been kidnapped? They were planning on being at the trial the next day; the boys were going to go over to the farm and discuss the Pilgrim mystery p.29
  2. Why wouldn’t the boys allow the New York businessman to talk? They didn’t want to be pulled into a scam; they didn’t believe him p.35
  3. Describe what happened at the boat house. The boys were attacked p.37

Chapter 5

  1. How does the beginning of this chapter remind you of what Mr. Hardy is working on? The boys were gassed, and their father is also studying gasses p.39
  2. What are the three mysteries the boys are solving and why do they think they’re all connected? The Dodd’s missing, the stolen cars, the Pilgrim mystery; the thieves could have kidnapped the Dodd’s because of the Pilgrim treasure p.44
  3. What’s happens in this chapter to conclude that things are getting dangerous? The boys receive letters from people complaining they’re support for the Dodd’s and a grenade was thrown into their clubhouse window p.42

Chapter 6

  1. What do you think the brown flecks of paint are? The paint from the car p.53
  2. Why do you think there is a crash? Listen to your child’s answer p.53

Chapter 7

  1. How is Chet’s study of plants coming in handy in this chapter? Hopefully Chet can identify the leaf in the Pilgrim mystery p.57
  2. Explain what getting “a birds-eye view” means. Flying in an airplane and seeing the ground as a bird sees it p.61
  3. Why did the boys think the last car in chapter 7 could be “a bite”? The car was racing wildly p.65

Chapter 8

  1. Why is George Birnham suspicious? He blocked the boys two different times from being able to chase a car; he said he didn’t have a phone, but is in the phone book; his car was the first one stolen; his land was given to him by a member of the Dodd family p.70
  2. Why is it a good thing that the boys checked out the fire before reporting it? Scratch was knocked unconscious in the middle of the fire and would have died if they had called the police first p.73

Chapter 9

  1. What happened in this chapter? The boys took some friends swimming in a cove; one of the girls dove under the water and someone underwater threw a net around her; Frank saved her; that night two boys watched the intersection while two others went onto the Birnham farm; Slagel came and talked to the farmer and left; the farmer climbed into his big tractor and drive it at the boys camping in the field p.77

Chapter 10

  1. Name two strange things that happened in this chapter. Slagel threatened the boys with a blade on the bottom of his cane; the boys found a note Slagel had telegraphed; the boys saw the spider human climbing a net; there was a fine steel-wire net string across the road the boys ran into p.89

Chapter 11

  1. What’s a concussion? A brain injury caused by a blow to the head p.94
  2. Did the boys find anything strange as they took their boat out on the water? They found rope netting; Tony saw a spider-man on the same cliff as the boys; heard a strange scraping noise under their boat; saw Carlton Melliman looking at them through binoculars p.99

Chapter 12

  1. Who did the boys meet in the chapter? Martin Dobb, Jack’s uncle p.106
  2. Why was he sneaking around and why did he keep himself disguised? So, he could go unnoticed while he figured out the Pilgrim’s clue p.107

Chapter 13

  1. What was Chet’s job in this chapter and what did he find? To reconnaissance Birnham’s produce truck; he found tire tracks in the back of the truck and heard that Slagel was going to finish off the Hardy boys p.115

Chapter 14

  1. Why do you think the boys got sleepy? Listen to your child’s answer p.125

Chapter 15

  1. What decoy were the boys going to use to trick Slagel? They were going to buy a car p.130
  2. What happened to the boys in this chapter? They followed the barge in their boat; Frank jumped out and swam to the barge; when he got there, someone hit him over the head, and he fell back into the water; Joe was there and got him back to their boat; someone in a diving suit came aboard their boat and knocked Chet out; Joe was ready to fight him at the end of the chapter p.132

Chapter 16

  1. Why were the boys relieved when Tony swam back up to the surface after looking at the Dodd’s boat? They were worried the Dodd’s had been in the boat when it sank, but they weren’t p.137
  2. Why are the boys leaving to Harpertown? Slagel threatened them and told them to leave town for 5 days; they’re going to purchase a car p.138

Chapter 17

  1. How many tries did it take to get Slagel to steal the car? Why? Two; the first time the car wouldn’t start p.147

Chapter 18

  1. Did the Trojan horse plan work? How? Yes; it got the boys to the hide out; they found the Dodd’s and figured out the operation p.156

Chapter 19

  1. Did Chet come to the rescue with the police? Why, or why not? No, he was captured before he could get them p.165

Chapter 20

  1. Did the car mystery have any correlation to the Pilgrim mystery? No p.174
  2. How did solving the car mystery help them solve the Pilgrim mystery? After solving the car mystery, they were in the right place to find the mysterious leaf and the treasure chest full of jewels and journals p.175

Comprehension Questions – Hank the Cowdog#3 It’s a Dog’s Life

By John R. Erickson

Grades 4-6; Genre - Fiction; 720L; AR pts: 3.0

Summary by Marcus Schlairet Russ (11 yrs old)

Have you ever wanted to get back at someone? Hank’s sister, Maggie, does in this story.

In the beginning, Hank gets in trouble because he messes up Sally May’s house. He was investigating something, Pete, the Barncat, told Drover.

Then, he ran away to visit his sister, Maggie. She tricked him into eating a bar of soap because he pushed her into the sewer when they were puppies.

In the end, the dogcatcher put him in the pound for rabies, because he was foaming at the mouth. He escaped and went home. He got revenge on Pete scaring him into the water trough.

You will laugh when you read about Hank’s adventures and eating the bar of soap. I know I did!

Comprehension Questions (written by Steven Schlairet)

Chapter 1

  1. What did Hank send Drover to do? Bark at the mailman. Pg. 2.
  2. Why did Hank say he had fleas? Because Loper only bought him 1 gunny sack a year. Pg. 4.
  3. Why did Hank say cowdogs barked at mailmen? Because they always did. Pg. 7.
  4. What news did Drover hear? It was the end of the world. Pg. 9.

Chapter 2

  1. What did Hank think was wrong with Pete? He swallowed a chicken bone. Pg. 11
  2. Why did Pete think it was the end of the world? Cat’s intuition. Pg. 13.
  3. What did they learn from the interrogation of Pete? Sally May wrote on her calendar. Pg. 15.
  4. What was the clicking time bomb? Drover’s chattering teeth. Pg. 16.
  5. How did Hank want to check out the problem? Penetration of the house. Pg. 18.

Chapter 3

  1. What did Hank think smelled like a skunk? Loper’s boots. Pg. 25.
  2. What did Hank find on the table? 3 T-bone steaks. Pg. 29.
  3. Why did Drover call “mayday!”? Because Sally May came home. Pg. 29.

Chapter 4

  1. What did Hank do when Sally May caught him? Knocked the jelly jar off the table. Pg. 31.
  2. Did Hank think it was his fault? No. The cowboys had plenty to eat. Pg. 34.
  3. What did Hank think of cat’s cleaning? Dirty from spit; not clean from the sewer. Pg. 37.
  4. Why was Hank going to leave to visit his sister? Let it blow over. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. Who did Hank meet playing the banjo and singing? Junior. Pg. 45.
  2. What did Hank teach Junior about singing? How to howl. Pg. 48.
  3. Who joined them in singing? Rip and Snort. Pg. 50

Chapter 6

  1. What was the clothes’ line pole with a shoe? A woman’s leg. Pg. 57.
  2. What did Maggie smell? Hank’s smell from the sewer. Pg. 59.
  3. Did Maggie want Hank to stay? No. Pg. 61.
  4. Why did Hank stay? To tell the kids stories. Pg. 63.

Chapter 7

  1. What did Maggie want to be called? Margaret; she didn’t like nick names. Pg. 65.
  2. What did Hank teach them first? To dig under the fence. Pg. 68.
  3. What did they eat from the garbage? A bunch of fish heads. Pg. 70.
  4. Who made fun of the pups? A cat on the fence. Pg. 72.

Chapter 8

  1. What does urchins mean? A mischievous child poorly dressed. Pg.74.
  2. What do the cats do? Sing a song mocking the dogs. Pg. 76.
  3. What do the dogs do back? Sing a song mocking the cats. Pg. 77.
  4. What do the dogs finally do? Start barking. Pg. 81.
  5. Who arrives after the neighbors get upset? The city dogcatcher. Pg. 83.

Chapter 9

  1. What is the bullet that Hank dodged? Getting his siter’s kids thrown in the pound. Pg. 84.
  2. What does Hank tell Maggie he did with the kids? They were just singing. Pg. 85.
  3. What does Maggie give Hank to eat? An Ivory Dog Bar. Pg. 89.
  4. Why did she give it to Hank? He pushed her into the sewer and she cried. Pg. 92.
  5. Why did the dogcatcher take Hank? He thought he was rabid. Pg. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did the dogcatcher do to Hank in the cage? Poke him with a stick. Pg. 99.
  2. What did the dogcatcher say about Hank? He tried to attack a child. Pg. 99.
  3. What test would they run on Hank? Cut off his head to check for rabies. Pg. 100.
  4. What did Ralph keep doing? Falling asleep. Pg. 106.

Chapter 11

  1. Did Hank believe his sister gave him soap on purpose? No. Pg. 108.
  2. What happened when Hank rammed the cell door? He passed out. Pg. 110.
  3. How did Ralph get in Hank’s cell? He just opened the latch. Pg. 110.

Chapter 12

  1. What else did the dogcatcher do besides chase hank? He started shooting at him. Pg. 116.
  2. What was Hank’s plan? To run around the Waterhole until Jimmy Joe ran out of gas. Pg. 117.
  3. Who drove Hank back to the ranch? Slim. Pg. 120.
  4. How did Hank get back at Pete? Shoved him into the water trough. Pg. 125.

Expressions used in the Story

Dodge a bullet.  Pg. 84

Mum’s the Word. Pg. 85.

Spill the beans. Pg. 87.

Toss your cookies. Pg. 94.

Comprehension Questions – Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins

by Richard and Florence Atwater

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Mr. Popper so absent-minded? He was day-dreaming of far-away places p.5
  2. What far-away place did Mr. Popper want to see most of all? The north and south poles p.7
  3. Why is Mrs. Popper worried that Mr. Popper doesn’t work in the winter? They won’t have as much money p.8

Chapter 2

  1. How does Mrs. Popper feel about the South Pole? That its dull and cold p.10
  2. Why does Mr. Popper want a penguin for a pet? They’re intelligent p.12
  3. Why is Mr. Popper mentioned over the radio? He sent a letter to Admiral Drake about the penguins p.14

Chapter 3

  1. What surprise did Admiral Drake send Mr. Popper? A penguin p.18
  2. Why did Mr. Popper fill up the bathtub? He thought the penguin was thirsty p.19
  3. Why did Mr. Popper call the penguin Captain Cook? The penguin made noises that sounded like Cook p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Why was the Popper family upset with Captain Cook? He ate their goldfish p.28
  2. Where did Captain Cook go to sleep? In the refrigerator p.29
  3. How did Mrs. Popper feel about Captain Cook? That he would make an all right pet p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What did the serviceman do to the ice box? Put holes in it and put a handle on the inside p.32
  2. How much money did Mr. Popper give to the serviceman? $10 p.33
  3. How did the serviceman react when Mr. Popper asked him to do these things? He thought Mr. Popper was crazy p.33

Chapter 6

  1. What did the policeman want when he came to the back door? The serviceman reported the penguin p.39
  2. Why did Mr. Popper get frustrated when he called the city building? They were confused on what he was calling about and didn’t know what a penguin was p.42

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Captain Cook gather odds and ends and put them in the fridge? He was putting together a nest p.48
  2. Why did Mr. Popper look like a penguin in this chapter? He shaved, slicked back his hair and put on his evening tailcoat p.49
  3. Why did Mr. Popper ask his wife for clothesline? He wanted it to take Captain Cook on a stroll p.49

Chapter 8

  1. How did the men with the camera know that Mr. Popper owned a penguin? They heard it from the police officer p.54
  2. What were the men doing with the camera? They were writing an article for the newspaper p.54

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the barber yell, “Good night!” when Captain Cook jumped onto the mirror ledge? He was surprised; this was an expression of surprise at the time this book was written p.57
  2. Why did Captain Cook want the shaving cream on the man’s face at the barber? It looked like snow p.58
  3. Why did Captain Cook want to climb the stairs? So, he could toboggan down them p.60

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Mrs. Popper call the doctor in this chapter? Captain Cook was ill and had a 104 degree temperature p.63
  2. What did the curator think was wrong with Captain Cook? He thought the penguin was lonely p.67
  3. What was the curator’s cure to help Captain Cook? He’s sending him Greta, the aquarium’s penguin who is also ill p.67

Chapter 11

  1. What does Mrs. Popper compare the two penguins to at the beginning of the chapter? Two peas p.68
  2. How could they tell the birds apart? Mr. Popper painted their names on their backs p.69
  3. How did Mr. Popper make a bigger, more comfortable home for the penguins? He left the windows open in his home and snow came into the house p.71

Chapter 12

  1. How did the Popper’s take care of the penguins for the rest of the winter? Mr. Popper had the furnace moved upstairs and an ice making machine installed In the cellar p.74
  2. How many eggs did Greta lay in all? 10 p.75
  3. Who did Mr. Popper name the penguin chicks after? Explorers and their assistants p.77

Chapter 13

  1. Why was Mrs. Popper considering eating the penguins? They were almost out of money p.82
  2. What idea did Mr. Popper come up with to earn money? Train the penguins to perform p.83
  3. How many songs did Mrs. Popper remember and what did she play the piano for? Three songs for three different acts the penguins would perform p.84

Chapter 14

  1. What made the passengers on the bus complain? Mr. Popper opened all of the windows to keep the penguins cool p.89
  2. What was Mr. Greenbaum’s reaction to meeting Mr. Popper and his penguins? He wanted to see the act p.91

Chapter 15

  1. Where did the penguins get to perform their act for Mr. Greenbaum?  On the stage in front of an audience p.93
  2. How do you know the audience enjoyed the penguins’ act? They stood up and cheered p.99  
  3. What did the theater owner offer Mr. Popper? A ten-week contract with $5,000 a week p.99

Chapter 16

  1. Why was a traffic officer involved when the Popper’s and penguins were on the way to the train station? The two taxis driving them were racing and got in an accident p.102
  2. Why was Mrs. Popper worried about the children missing school? she didn’t want them to get behind p.104
  3. How did the penguins disrupt the rest of the acts during their first performance? They would go on stage and make the audience laugh and distract the performer p.106

Chapter 17

  1. How would other performers feel when they heard the penguins were performing in the same show? They didn’t like it p.108
  2. Why weren’t the Poppers rich when receiving $5,000 a week? They ate at expensive restaurants and slept in expensive hotels p.112
  3. Predict if Mr. Popper will sign another contract with Mr. Greenbaum.  Listen to your child’s answer p.114

Chapter 18

  1. What did the Popper’s find at the theater? A seal performing act p.117
  2. Why were the Popper’s worried to have the penguins join the seals? They thought the seals would eat the penguins p.118
  3. What mistake did Mr. Popper make during this chapter? He told the taxi driver the wrong theater p.122

Chapter 19

  1. Who bailed Mr. Popper and the penguins out of jail? Admiral Drake p.127
  2. What did Admiral Drake offer Mr. Popper? To take the penguins to the North Pole and name the new penguin race after him p.129
  3. What did Mr. Greenbaum offer him? A deal with a movie producer that will put the penguins in films p.130

Chapter 20

  1. Why did Mr. Popper decide to give the birds to Admiral Drake? Because they had done so much for him that he needed to do what was best for them p.133
  2. What surprised Mr. Popper in this chapter? That he was invited to go with the expedition p.138
  3. Explain what you liked about this book.  Listen to your child’s response

Comprehension Questions – The Original Adventures of Hank the CowDog #1

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

by John R. Erickson

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Hank has been accused of murder! In a fit of despair, Hank resigns his position as Head of Ranch Security and decides to join the outlaw coyotes. There he's known as Hunk (that's Hank in coyote language). Hank meets Missy Coyote, sister to Scraunch — the meanest, roughest, toughest, most notorious coyote in the whole country. If Scraunch found Hank with his sister... Well, look out for trouble.

Vocabulary (by Steve)

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What was Hank’s job? Head of Ranch Security Pg. 1.
  2. Why did Loper shoot off the gun? Hank was barking at the coyotes. Pg. 3
  3. Who was Beulah? The neighbor’s collie that Hank liked. Pg. 4.
  4. What did Hank and Drover think killed the chicken? A coyote or a coon. Pg. 8.

Chapter 2

  1. Where did the porcupine stick Hank? In the face, nose, and paws. Pg. 12.
  2. What did Pete, the barn cat,  do to Hank? Flicked his tail on his nose. Pg. 14.
  3. How did Loper feel about Hank’s quills? It was Hanks fault for messing with a porcupine. Pg. 15.
  4. Why did Loper throw the pliers at Hank? He wet on his pants. Pg. 17.

Chapter 3

  1. What did Loper feel about Hank and the dead chicken? He barked all night and was expensive to feed. Pg. 19.
  2. Why did Hank tell Drover he was useless? He was playing with a frog. Pg. 22.
  3. What did Drover find in the night? A big monster with horns. Pg. 25.
  4. What did Hank actually attack? The milk cow.  Pg. 28.

Chapter 4

  1. Why was Slim nice to Hank? He wanted to wipe the dip stick on his ear. Pg. 31.
  2. How did Hank feel about Drover’s help the night before? He was not happy he didn’t give any . Pg. 33.
  3. Why was Drover not afraid to pee on the Boxer’s truck? He was chained up. Pg. 35.
  4. Why did Bruno get in trouble? The men thought the other dogs were asleep. Pg. 39.

Chapter 5

  1. What did Hank decide to do instead of guarding the chicken house? A steak-out. Pg. 44.
  2. Why did Hank fall asleep? Because he dreamt he was awake. Pg. 45.
  3. Who found Hank with the dead chicken? Sally May. Pg. 48.
  4. What did Loper do to punish Hank? Made him wear the dead chicken head. Pg. 50.
  5. What did Hank decide to do because he was punished? Leave and become an Outlaw. Pg. 53.

Chapter 6

  1. What did Hank think Loper and Sally Mae would feel about him being gone? They’d miss him. Do anything if he’d come home.  Pg. 57.
  2. How did Hank feel about the spring pool? A sewer is better. Pg. 58.
  3. What did Junior think about Hank? Thought he was d-d-d-dead. Pg. 59.
  4. What gave the signals that something was dead? The chicken head around hank’s neck. Pg. 62.

Chapter 7

  1. Why did the dog look headless? A Hawaiian Punch can was stuck on its head. Pg. 67.
  2. Why couldn’t the coyote understand hank? It didn’t speak Doglish. Pg. 69.
  3. Did Hank like the coyote’s name? No. Girl-Who-Drink-Blood. Pg. 72.
  4. Who was the coyote’s brother? Scraunch. Pg. 73.

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Chief Gut? The coyote father of Missy and Scraunch. Pg. 75.
  2. What did the coyotes call cowboys and guns? Big-hat and boom-boom. Pg. 76.
  3. What did the coyotes call Hank that upset him? Chicken dog. Pg. 77.
  4. Why didn’t the coyotes attack Hank? They were going to make him part of the tribe. Pg. 84.

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Hank’s secret work? Coyotes are superstitious. Pg. 85.
  2. What Did Hank’s mom say about coyotes? They were lazy, sneaky, undisciplined. Pg. 87.
  3. What did Rip and Snort want to do? Go carousing in the silage pit. Pg. 88.
  4. What is silage? Grass that ferments and turns into alcohol. Pg. 88.
  5. What did Drover think about Hank with the coyotes? He was a traitor. 95.

Chapter 10

  1. What did the coyote pups do to hank? Bit his tail. Pg. 99.
  2. How did Hank feel about coyote life? Told Missy too much noise. Pg. 102.
  3. What was the mutton feast? A piece of aged meat that was green with maggots on it. Pg. 103.
  4. What did Missy’s mom think made Hank sick? Brackish water. Pg. 105.

Chapter 11

  1. What did the coyotes like to eat and why? Juicy chicken because they are easy. Pg. 107.
  2. Who made the speech to the village? Scraunch and then led the raid. Pg.107.
  3. Where did Hank hope Drover was? Hiding in a corner of the shed. Pg. 109.
  4. What did Scraunch want Hank to do? Kill Drover, but he tried to save him. Pg. 114.
  5. When Hank “heard Saint Peter blow” what did he think? He was going to die. Pg. 116.

Chapter 12

  1. What did Loper do and why to Hank? He smiled; glad he was back. Pg. 119.
  2. What did everyone think happened to Drover? He was dead. Pg. 120.
  3. What did Hank tell Drover he was doing with the coyotes? He was undercover. Pg. 122.
  4. What did the Badger tracks turn out to be? Skunk tracks. Pg. 125.
  5. What did Hank do to Sally May? Run in to her clean laundry with skunk smell. Pg. 127.

Comprehension Questions – The Fudge Books Fudge-a-Mania

Fudge-a-Mania

by Judy Blume

Grades 3-7; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Peter Hatcher can't catch a break. His little brother, Fudge - the five-year-old human hurricane - has big plans to marry Peter's sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman. That alone would be enough to ruin Peter's summer, but now his parents have decided to rent a summer home next door to Sheila the Cootie Queen's house. Peter will be trapped with Fudge and Sheila for three whole weeks!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What news did Fudge given Peter that made him pretend to faint? He announced he was going to marry Sheila Tubman p.3
  2. Where is Peter’s family going for vacation and with whom? In Maine; next door to the Tubmans p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Why is Peter dreading living next to Sheila for three weeks? He doesn’t like her; they’re enemies p.7
  2. Who did Peter’s mom say he could bring with him on vacation? A friend; Jimmy Fargo p.9
  3. Why did Jimmy only want to be in Maine for a week? He’s not used to bigger families since he’s the only child and it’s just his father and him p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Who served Peter’s family lemonade when they arrived at their destination? Sheila’s grandfather, Buzzy Senior p.16
  2. Why was Peter upset about the house they were staying in? It’s only separated from Sheila’s house by an inside door and he told Jimmy there was a forest between his and Sheila’s house p.20
  3. Why did Fudge and his dad run for the car when Turtle came running out of the woods? Turtle had been sprayed by a skunk and they wanted to escape the smell by going to the store p.21

Chapter 4

  1. Describe the portion of the house Peter and his family are staying in? there’s only three bedrooms and one bathroom; no kitchen or living room, they’ll share those with the Tubmans p.22
  2. Describe the area Peter’s staying with his family in Maine. There’s a bike shop, a library, a bookstore, the airport is nearby p.24

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Sheila opening all the windows in the house? she didn’t like the smell of Maine and wanted to air the house out p.29
  2. Why was Uncle Feather missing? Fudge let him out of his cage and Sheila had opened the windows p.29
  3. Where did they find Uncle Feather? Chasing Libby around the house p.39

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Sheila more prepared to babysit Fudge now than before? Fudge was older and she’d taken a babysitting course p.41
  2. Why was Peter so happy to be doing his own thing? He didn’t get alone time very often p.46
  3. What did Peter end up doing? Hanging out with Sheila and Fudge p.47

Chapter 7

  1. What good news did Mitzi give Peter? That her grandfather was one of his favorite baseball players and there’s a baseball game every Sunday p.52
  2. Why did Peter feel like he needed to lie to Jimmy? He was worried Jimmy wouldn’t come up and stay with him because of Sheila, so he concocted a story p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mitzi afraid to walk to the back of the house by herself? She was worried that there would be a monster and she forget her monster spray p.59
  2. What’s Fudge-a-mania? Being silly and crazy; ex. turning in circles p.62
  3. Explain why it isn’t easy being the first born. Listen to your child’s answers p.67

Chapter 9

  1. What book at the library did Fudge want? Tell me a Fudge p.73
  2. What did Fudge do when the library didn’t have it? He threw himself on the floor and threw a tantrum p.74
  3. What idea did Izzy give to Fudge since he didn’t have a book already written? Write one himself; or tell someone what he’d like to have written p.75
  4. Why was Peter disappointed when he awoke that morning? He wanted to dream about Isobel and instead dreamt about Sheila p.78

Chapter 10

  1. Why can’t Sheila’s friend come to Maine? She has the chickenpox p.79
  2. Why did Sheila feel like everyone was picking on her? Her friend couldn’t come, Tootsie flung oatmeal on her face and Peter burped, but thought he was laughing at her p.80
  3. Why does Fudge want to get married? So he won’t get monsters in his bed p.82
  4. What was the consequence of Peter telling the truth to Jimmy about the living arrangements? Jimmy was ok with it p.91

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Jimmy want to go to town? To see Isobel since she made Peter feel like he was floating p.98
  2. What does I.S.A.F. stand for? I swallowed a fly p.102
  3. Why did Peter pour his juice over Fudge’s head? Fudge wouldn’t stop talking about eating turtles and how he ate his turtle p.105

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Fudge all blue? He ate lots of blueberries p.108
  2. Why wasn’t Fudge going sailing? He was too sick p.112
  3. Why did Muriel take over when the group was on their way back to the dock? A storm came up and she knew how to handle the boat better than Peter’s dad p.116

Chapter 13

  1. What did Fudge oil his mitt with? Oil of Olay, a woman’s facial moisturizer p.122
  2. What was Peter so excited for that morning? It was Sunday and he was going to get to play baseball with Big Apfel the baseball player p.123
  3. Give examples of why Peter wasn’t happy with the baseball game? He wasn’t on Isobel’s team, Big was hitting for both teams, he didn’t catch a fly ball and threw way over the 1st baseman, he hit a pop fly and his grandma caught it, his team lost, Big encouraged Jimmy, but didn’t say anything to him p.127

Chapter 14

  1. Who’s getting married in Maine and how does the family feel about it? Peter’s grandma and Sheila’s grandpa; shocked; they haven’t known each other very long p.137
  2. Who all came to the wedding? All the family and everyone from town p.141
  3. What was the deal Sheila and Peter made after the wedding? That they’d always hate each other p.146

Comprehension Questions – The Fudge Books Superfudge

Superfudge

by Judy Blume

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 4.0

Farley Drexel Hatcher - otherwise known as Fudge - thinks he's a superhero, but his older brother, Peter, knows Fudge is nothing but a big pain! Dealing with Fudge is hard enough, but now Peter's parents have decided to move to New Jersey for an entire year! Even worse, Peter's mom is going to have a new baby. And if this baby is anything like Fudge - help! How will Peter ever survive?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What’s the big news Peter’s parents told him? His mother is going to have a baby p.3
  2. Describe how Peter felt about the new baby? He was angry; he didn’t want another sibling like Fudge; he wanted to run away p.4
  3. How did Peter come to accept the idea of the new baby? His dad told him to take a chance, the baby may not be like Fudge; his mom promised him the baby would sleep in the dining room and not his room p.10

Chapter 2

  1. How did Peter feel about the baby’s nickname, Tootsie? He thought it was a terrible name since he thought she’d be teased when she went to school p.16
  2. Why wasn’t Tootsie in her crib when Peter came home from school? Fudge had taken her out and was playing hide and seek with her p.19
  3. Why did Fudge try to sell Tootsie? He wanted to be the baby; Tootsie wasn’t any fun p.21

Chapter 3

  1. What news did Peter’s parents share with him and Fudge in this chapter? They’re moving to Princeton, New Jersey for a year p.31
  2. Why was Peter upset that in Princeton, Fudge will be in the same school? He didn’t want to go to a new school; he doesn’t want to be in the same school as Fudge p.35
  3. Why was Peter’s father taking a leave of absence from work? He’s writing a book p.38

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jimmy come and apologize to Peter for getting mad at him for moving? He realized he was only an hour away by train and Peter can’t do anything about moving p.41
  2. Why is Sheila glad Peter’s moving? She won’t have to smell his dog p.46
  3. Why did Fudge put trading stamps all over Tootsie? He wants to trade her in for a two-wheeler p.49

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Peter’s dad buy books about roses, gardening and beetles? In the new house they had a rose garden, as well as an herb and vegetable garden p.52
  2. Describe Alex Santo. He’s going into 6th grade like Peter; he’s very small; has hair that hangs in his eyes; wears a t-shirt that says Princeton Class of ’91 p.54
  3. Why did Alex and Peter take worms to Mrs. Muldour and why were they so small? She buys them for $.05 a worm; they cut them in half/thirds to make more money p.58

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Peter have trouble falling asleep? He missed the sounds of the city; it was too quiet p.64
  2. Why didn’t Peter want to walk with Fudge to school? He wanted to ride his bike like all the other kids at school p.67
  3. Why did Peter get called down to the principal’s office? To help get Fudge down from on top of a cabinet. Fudge had kicked the teacher because she wouldn’t call him Fudge, and then he climbed up on top of the cabinet just below the ceiling p.74

Chapter 7

  1. What kind of bird does Fudge want and why? A myna bird; they can talk p.82
  2. Why was it ironic that the bird was copying Fudge? Fudge had copied Peter in everything he had said and now Fudge was being copied p.88
  3. Who helped Fudge sleep in his own room again? Uncle Feather his bird p.89

Chapter 8

  1. Whose painting did Peter see in the art gallery? Jimmy’s dad’s painting p.100
  2. Why is Peter’s mom going back to work in the dentist office? They need the money; Peter’s dad is writing a book and isn’t working  p.102
  3. Why didn’t Peter tell Beverly the story of how the painting became Anita’s Anger? He realized there were things he wouldn’t want Jimmy to tell other people, so he thought this was probably one of those things Jimmy wouldn’t want others to know p.111

Chapter 9

  1. Describe Daniel, Fudge’s friend. He’s pudgy with a lot of red hair and ears that stick out; he’s 6; knows a lot about birds; very picky about his food; always watches TV while he’s eating p.116
  2. Why was it difficult for Peter when his two best friends met? They were jealous of each other and couldn’t stand each other p.122
  3. Describe what happened at the movie theater. The boys ran into Sharon, Elaine and Joanne from school. Joanne bought their tickets, and everyone was introduced to Jimmy; they got the little boys settled in the theater, then the older kids went to their own seats; Peter sat next to Joanne, they shared popcorn, and then held hands after Fudge put ice down Peter’s back p.126

Chapter 10

  1. What did Fudge want for Christmas? A red bicycle like Peter’s p.137
  2. Why was Peter upset there weren’t ever secrets during Christmastime? He always knew what he was going to get for Christmas, either by finding the presents or overhearing his mom talking about it p.140
  3. What’s Fudge’s opinion of Santa Claus? He knows he’s not real, but pretends since his mom and dad thinks he believes in Santa p.147

Chapter 11

  1. Why wasn’t Peter worried about his parents getting a divorce? Whenever his parents fought, they ended up laughing p.150
  2. Why did Fudge get so many cuts and bruises while riding his bike? He didn’t use the brakes and would crash into things p.151
  3. Who did Fudge have Brian Tumkin draw? Mr. Green the principal p.157

Chapter 12

  1. What prank did Fudge play on Peter? Fudge woke Peter up saying he was late for school, but it was really a Saturday p.159
  2. What did Alex and Peter do for the afternoon? Had a picnic at the lake and watched the university rowing team p.163
  3. What consequence did Peter suggest as a punishment for the boys running away? Taking away their bikes for a month p.173

Comprehension Questions- Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

By: Deborah and James Howe

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 2.0

When the Monroe family brings home a small black-and-white bunny they find in the movie theater after seeing Dracula, Chester the cat and Harold the dog are instantly suspicious. After all the vegetables in the Monroe kitchen start turning white, Chester and Harold are certain that Bunnicula is a vegetarian vampire. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- The Fudge Books Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

By Judy Blume

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fiction; GRL Q; AR pts: 3.0

Peter Hatcher is nine years old and is in the fourth grade.  He's forced to deal with his three year old brother, Fudge, and all of his quirks and bad manners.  It seems to Peter that Fudge gets all the attention and that he amounts to a fourth grade nothing. Continue reading →