Tag Archives: Magic Tree House

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #39 Windy Night with Wild Horses

Windy Night with Wild Horses

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Jack and Annie are whisked away to Mongolia to rescue little horses.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what Jack and Annie will be doing in this story. They are going to Mongolia to be Eco-volunteers p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Using the information in this chapter, describe Tuya. 11-12 years old; responsible; warm and welcoming; tried to follow the rules, but saw that Jack and Annie were also responsible; helps with the Mongolian Tours; has a good relationship with the bus driver p.15
  2. How did Jack and Annie convince Tuya to let them on the bus without a grown-up? They told her about their adventures being Eco-volunteers around the world p.16

Chapter 3

  1. How did Tuya think critically and problem solve in this chapter? She figured out how to help Jack and Annie stay at the nature preserve by letting them stay with her and her family p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Compare a nomad’s lifestyle to the way you live. Listen to three comparisons your child makes p.32
  2. What do you think the big surprise is? Listen to your child’s answer p.38

Chapter 5

  1. What is the difference between a wild horse and a tame horse? A wild horse is free and roams at will and isn’t trained to let people ride them; a tame horse is usually owned, trained and taken care of by their owner. They are also trained for people to ride them p.41

Chapter 6

  1. Why is it a miracle for the Takhi to arrive in Mongolia? They had died out in Mongolia, but other countries had them in their zoos from around the world and are starting to return them to Mongolia; they are the last wild horses on earth p.49
  2. Give an example of a way Jack was honest in this chapter. He realized he left the gate to the horse corral open and confessed to Annie instead of just staying quiet about it p.57

Chapter 7

  1. Why were the wolves dangerous to the Takhi? The Takhi had only lived in zoos and didn’t recognize predators or know how to defend themselves p.54

Chapter 8

  1. What fantastic beast appeared and how did it help Jack and Annie? A white stallion; led the lost horses back to the corral p.69
  2. What does the author mean, “on the first night of their new lives, all the wild horses were safely back home.” Jack and Annie felt like new people because of their experience and seeing this unique way of life p.76

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Jack relieved in this chapter? He didn’t leave the gate open, the latch had broken, so the Takhi escaping the corral wasn’t his fault p.80
  2. Why did Jack and Annie tell Tuya what really happened and not her mom? Tuya will believe them and her mom probably wouldn’t p.83

Chapter 10

  1. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What is a theme you observed during this story? Teamwork and courage; nature and adventure; wildlife conservation  

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #38 Time of the Turtle King

Time of the Turtle King

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

When the magic tree house returns, it whisks Jack and Annie away to the Galapagos Islands. They become World Turtle Experts and must save a tortoise in danger of an erupting volcano.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Have you ever seen a port by the ocean? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. Whether you have or whether you haven’t, describe one or what you imagine one to look like p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Summarize what Jack and Annie experienced when putting on and taking off their badges. They became experts on the turtles in the Galápagos Islands. Jack didn’t feel like himself and took a minute to embrace this role for the adventure p.15

Chapter 3

  1. Why do you think the man was grumpy towards the tourists on the island? He had to deal with them frequently and must not have liked them p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Predict what the emergency is. Listen to your child’s answer p.36

Chapter 5

  1. Were you correct in your prediction? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. What did you learn in this chapter? Listen to your child’s answer p.37

Chapter 6

  1. Choose one characteristic Jack and Annie showed during this chapter as they talked about the tortoises. Confidence
  2. Why did Jack panic and get nervous? Jack doesn’t like to be in danger and hasn’t done any actual missions to save turtles, so it made him nervous and insecure p.52

Chapter 7

  1. How do you know Jack started to feel confident again in this chapter? He was more concerned about the tortoises than himself p.54
  2. How did he show overconfidence? He dismissed Morgan’s rhyme p.56

Chapter 8

  1. Why was it beneficial that Jack lost his expert badge? While he was looking for it, he found a turtle. He wouldn’t have seen it unless he was looking low in spaces p.65

Chapter 9

  1. How did Jack and Annie know their mission on Galapagos Island was complete? They completed everything in the rhyme p.80

Chapter 10

  1. How did Annie cheer up Jack? She helped him understand that he helped the tortoise without being an expert and did exactly what Morgan wanted him to do; she also said that it was ok to cry and that experts throughout the United States were crying p.86
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #37 Rhinos at Recess

Rhinos at Recess

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre-Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to South Africa where they must protect a majestic rhino from poachers.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why does Annie assume they are traveling to Africa? She saw a bird from Africa on a tree when she and Jack ran home to pick up her project during recess; the poem Morgan left them includes a description of Africa p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Describe a game reserve. Specific areas in Africa that protect animals from danger; rangers work in the reserve to protect the animals p.21

Chapter 3

  1. Why did it matter that a chopper was at the west gate of the reserve? Poachers travel in helicopters and could be in the chopper p.30

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Speedy run to the trees? He was scared p.38

Chapter 5

  1. Describe a rhinoceros. Very large animal with wrinkled dark gray skin, two large horns on its face p.42
  2. How did Jack and Annie stay safe from the rhino? They climbed a tree; they stayed quiet so the rhino couldn’t hear them p.41
  3. Predict what you think “the giant” and “them” is in the poem? Listen to your child’s answer p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize the plan Annie came up with to save Rosie and her calf from the poachers. To call Rosie and get her to chase them to the tree they were hiding in, hoping her baby will follow; the leaves from the tree will hide the rhinos p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Were you correct in your prediction of what the giant is? Listen to your child’s answer p.62
  2. What is the paper tree? An ancestral tree on the brochure p.62

Chapter 8

  1. Describe what happened when Jack and Annie called for help. A pre-historic rhino (Rosie’s ancestor) came from the past and chased the poachers away p.65

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Jack get emotional in this chapter? He felt a love and connection for the rhino p.79

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Annie want everyone to listen to her animal presentation? She’s going to teach them about rhinos, pre-historic and present day, and that they might disappear from the earth. She’ll tell them that rangers are trying to protect them and the sad, the good and the bad things p.85
  2. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions Magic Tree House #36 Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0

Morgan le Fay tells Jack and Annie to seek out "The Gray Ghost" and listen to her story. They are whisked away to Nepal where they meet Tenzin, a climber, who takes them up the mountain to meet a snow leopard.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize what this story is going to be about. Jack and Annie are going to Nepal to find a ghost in the mountains p.1

Chapter 2

  1. List an observation Jack and Annie made of the people in this area. They are hard workers p.19

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie convince Tenzin to help them find the ghost? She read Morgan’s poem to him and told him they were serious about finding the ghost, not just curious p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What did you learn about Tenzin in this chapter? He’s sad because his wife and daughter died last winter p.34
  2. Predict how Jack and Annie will help him in this story. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack agree to follow Tenzin? Tenzin quoted a phrase from the poem and confirmed that they were supposed to follow Tenzin p.42

Chapter 6

  1. How did Tenzin put Jack and Annie at risk? By taking them on treacherous steep ground and for hiking so high p.51

Chapter 7

  1. What is the great ghost and how did Jack and Annie find it? A snow leopard; they tried to find Tenzin and when they hiked up to him, the snow leopard was with him. She was difficult to see because she blended in with the rocks p.59

Chapter 8

  1. How do you think the snow leopard is wise and what secret does she have to tell? Listen to your child’s answer p.62

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Jack want to tell Ama and the girls about the snow leopard. Tenzin has a special bond with the snow leopard, and they want him to be the one to talk about her if he wants to p.72
  2. Have you ever had a story that was your own that you haven’t wanted anyone else to share or talk about? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

  1. Were you correct in your assumption about what the poem means? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. If not, what is answer? The secret is love hides in plain sight, and we are never alone p.82
  3. What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #35 Camp Time in California

Camp Time in California

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back in time, they land in the tallest tree in Yosemite, California where they join nature conservationist, John Muir, and US President Teddy Roosevelt on a historic trip through the woods.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where’s the setting for this story? Yosemite, a National park in California p.7

Chapter 2

  1. How did Jack and Annie learn their pencils were magic? They had to start using them p.17

Chapter 3

  1. Did Jack and Annie follow Jack’s instructions when they ran into the bear? Explain. No, they ran away from it and Jack read people shouldn’t run from bears p.25

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize this chapter. Jack and Annie meet some travelers in the forest and were invited to join them for the night p.29
  2. Is it smart for Jack and Annie to join them? Why, or why not? Yes, it’ll keep them safe p.35

Chapter 5

  1. Do you know who Teddy is? Listen to your child’s answer
  2. How did Teddy help Jack? Helped him feel like he could ride the mule p.41

Chapter 6

  1. What helped Jack enjoy his experience? Forgetting about himself p.52

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Annie upset and what helped her feel better? Finding out the oldest tree in the world was cut down; Jack took her up to the cliffs edge and looked at the stars p.59

Chapter 8

  1. Who is Teddy? Theodore Roosevelt, the President of the United States p.69
  2. Why did he go on an adventure in the Yosemite wilderness? To see the value in making it a National Park p.71

Chapter 9

  1. Explain John’s attitude of being in the wilderness. He loves it more than being inside p.78

Chapter 10

  1. What did Jack and Annie learn about drawing? Helped them understand what they drew p.90

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #34 Late Lunch with Llamas

Late Lunch with Llamas

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie away to South America, where they must climb Machu Picchu to save a baby llama. 

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Where is Jack and Annie going in this book? Peru p.7
  2. What continent is Peru on? South America 

Chapter 2

  1. Why is the boy so upset in this chapter? His baby llama was stolen p.19

Chapter 3

  1. Why are Jack and Annie afraid to cross the bridge? It’s made of rope and hangs between two mountains p.25
  2. Why are Jack and Annie determined to cross the bridge? Their mission is to go across and save the llama p.27

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Jack and Annie feel sick while hiking up the mountain? They didn’t have water and they needed to slow down to let their bodies get used to the high altitude p.35

Chapter 5

  1. How did Jack and Annie know they were taken back hundreds of years into the past? Topa and his grandparents called Machu Picchu the Secret City p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Where did Jack and Annie find drinking water? In one of the many springs in the city p.47

Chapter 7

  1. How will the legend help Jack and Annie? The llama will speak and tell the Emperor what it wants p.61

Chapter 8

  1. Name one thing that was scary for Jack in this chapter? The Emperor wouldn’t believe them; the trail to the rope bridge was on a cliff; condors were flying overhead p.62

Chapter 9

  1. How did Jack keep Cria safe from the condors? He remembered the legend and asked the condors to tell the constellations to keep Cria safe p.74

Chapter 10

  1. What’s Annie’s explanation of “the secret of the brave”? People can’t be brave unless they’re afraid first p.85

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House #33 Narwhal on a Sunny Night

Narwhal on a Sunny Night

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 1-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts. 1.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to Greenland, where their mission is to save a narwhal.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What do you know about Greenland from this first chapter? It’s cold, by the Arctic Circle, can’t have a lot of grass and trees, icebergs and reindeer p.5

Chapter 2

  1. Name one fact you found interesting in this chapter. The earth is warming causing the polar caps to melt; 56,000 people live there with most of them Inuits; there are three kinds of seals and 15 kinds of whales that live there p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Why were Jack and Annie worried about the orcas swimming toward the narwhals? Orcas will kill and eat narwhals p.22

Chapter 4

  1. How did Annie convince the boy not to kill the narwhal for its horn? She told him they’re special and mysteries of nature; they know secrets humans will never know and hear things in ways we’ll never hear; they talk in a language we’ll never understand p.28

Chapter 5

  1. Describe how the kids free the narwhal? Leveraged a spear into the ice to break it p.34

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what you know about Erikson and his family. They’re seafarers; came from Iceland 8 years ago p.40

Chapter 7

  1. Describe the village Erikson lives in. His dad is the chief; long wooden house; thatched huts; barns; dogs; families live there: shocked to see Jack and Annie p.48

Chapter 8

  1. Why are Jack and Annie wanting to sneak away from Leif’s house? His family is under the impression they have a ship and want to take the entire village to see it in the morning p.62

Chapter 9

  1. What gift did Jack and Annie give Leif? Their map of Greenland p.69

Chapter 10

  1. Why do you think “thanks” is the special word Jack and Annie saw glow? Listen to your child’s answer p.79

Chapter 11

  1. Who can you thank? Make sure to write them a note or tell them! P.84

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #27 Night of the Ninth Dragon

Night of the Ninth Dragon

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades ; Genre - Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie through space and time to find that the castle of Camelot has been attacked and King Arthur has been gravely wounded. To save the kingdom—and the king—Jack and Annie have only one day to solve a riddle that will help them find a missing dragon!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Jack and Annie go into the
    Frog Creek woods? Oki ran in, so they chased after him p.5
  2. Where did they find Oki? At the
    bottom of a tree looking at the magic tree house p.6
  3. What’s going to be the setting of
    this book? Camelot p.10

Chapter 2

  1. Who sent the tree house for Jack and
    Annie? Queen Guinevere p.16
  2. Why did the guard aim a crossbow at
    Jack and Annie as they approached Camelot? They’re under attack and didn’t
    know if the kids were friends or enemies p.20
  3. Where did the queen lead Jack and
    Annie? Morgan le Fay’s secret garden p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What were the statues of in the
    garden? Dragons p.25
  2. What’s been stolen out of the garden?
    The gold dragon; the ninth dragon p.32
  3. Why do the kids need to help find the
    ninth dragon? To get Merlin, Morgan, Teddy and Kathleen back from Avalon and
    to send King Arthur there to heal from his wound p.33

Chapter 4

  1. Why were the Jack, Annie, the king
    and queen going to Cafelle’s? She can prophesy and tell them where the ninth
    dragon is p.37
  2. Why were they traveling in a hay
    cart? No one will suspect the king riding in a hay cart p.39
  3. Why was Jack nervous when he found
    out the knights weren’t coming with them? he knew they could be attacked by
    invaders and they wouldn’t have the protection of the knights p.45

Chapter 5

  1. Describe Cafelle. She’s an old
    woman who’s blind, but could describe Jack and Annie perfectly, she’s kind and
    has a dog that cannot hear p.51
  2. What is Cafelle’s special ability? The
    leaves and wind speak to her and tell her what she desires to know p.56

Chapter 6

  1. When did the ninth dragon need to be
    returned to the garden? Dawn the next day p.59
  2. What did the seer give to both Jack
    and Annie? Red stones from the mountains of fire before time p.61
  3. Why was Jack frustrated about the
    stones? He didn’t know how to use them p.66

Chapter 7

  1. How did Annie help get rid of the
    invaders that questioned them? she put yellow spots on her face with a
    highlighter and said she had yellow fever p.72
  2. Why was Jack freezing as they
    traveled in the rain? He’d given his cloak to the king p.78
  3. What did Guinevere tell the kids
    about as they traveled? The Isle of Avalon p.78

Chapter 8

  1. Why did the kids send the oxen back
    to Camelot? The rope that connected the oxen to the cart had torn and they
    weren’t of use anymore p.83
  2. How did Jack, Annie and Guinevere get
    the cart to Munith Mor without the oxen? They pushed and pulled p.85
  3. What represented the curtain in the
    riddle? A waterfall p.88

Chapter 9

  1. What did Jack and Annie find in the
    cave behind the waterfall? The dragon statue p.96
  2. Why was the queen giving up? The
    healing water was gone, Arthur was dying, they heard the robbers coming on
    horses p.98
  3. What happened when Jack and Annie
    used their stones? A giant red dragon rose out of the erupting mountain
    above them p.101

Chapter 10

  1. Where did the portal take Jack,
    Annie, Guinevere and Arthur? To Avalon p.103
  2. How did Merlin, Morgan, Teddy and
    Kathleen respond when they first saw Jack and Annie in Avalon? Bewildered, amazed,
    surprised, astonished p.106
  3. Why did Jack and Annie need to return
    the dragon statue to Camelot before dawn? If it’s not returned by dawn, it’s
    power will be lost forever and those in Avalon will never return p.109

Chapter 11

  1. Where did Jack and Annie leave their
    magic stones? By the dragon statue in the garden p.115
  2. What message did Jack and Annie give
    the knights? That the kind and queen are healing in Avalon and will be back
    to restore order to the kingdom p.118

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #26 Balto of the Blue Dawn

Balto of the Blue Dawn

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie always go on important missions, but this time they must save an entire town! The town is Nome, Alaska, and the year is 1925. Many children and grown-ups are sick and dying. The medicine that will save them is coming from Anchorage, a thousand miles away. Its being carried by a relay of dogsleds and dogs, but a huge blizzard is coming through. It's up to Jack and Annie to find a lost team led by the famous sled dog, Balto.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Annie see above the woods? A
    bright flash of light p.4
  2. Where are Jack and Annie needed in
    this adventure? A seaside town below the Arctic; Alaska p.6
  3. What will the enchanted gold dust
    help Jack and Annie do and how long does it last? Receive a skill that will
    only help them when they are saving the lives of others; 12 hours p.7
  4. Why did Teddy give the kids stardust?
    It will make people forget; Merlin didn’t want Jack and Annie to be
    remembered by anyone on their mission p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Jack and Annie travel to? Nome,
    Alaska p.17
  2. What does “quarantine” mean? To be
    isolated if you’re sick with a deadly illness, so you won’t spread it p.21
  3. What’s the sickness that’s going
    around the town that requires medicine? Diphtheria p.22
  4. Why did the Board of Health order
    Gunnar Kaasen to stay in Solomon and not continue to Nome? A huge blizzard
    was expected to come through the area, and they didn’t want to lose the
    medicine p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What was the only form of
    transportation to and from Nome during the winter? Dogsled p.29
  2. What was Oki going to do? Go by
    dogsled himself to get the medicine from Gunnar Kaasen p.29
  3. What was the radio bulletin Jack and Annie
    heard while waiting for Oki to talk to his uncle? That 5 people had died in
    Nome, Alaska from the outbreak of Diphtheria, and the best mushers and dogs
    were trying to get the medicine to Nome before anyone else dies, but there’s a
    big blizzard coming from the Arctic and the mushers may not be able to continue
    to Nome p.34
  4. Why is getting the medicine a race
    against death? If the medicine doesn’t arrive in time, Oki’s mom, sister and
    others will die p.38

Chapter 4

  1. If Oki stays in Nome, how are Jack
    and Annie going to know where to go? Uncle Joe’s sled dogs know the way p.43
  2. What was Oki’s resolve when Jack and
    Annie told him he had to stay in Nome? He accepted it, but was disappointed p.46
  3. How do Jack and Annie always treat
    dogs? By being firm, fair and giving kindness and respect p.27
  4. What did Oki give Jack and Annie for
    food to give to the dogs? Dried fish p.49

Chapter 5

  1. What was Jack an expert of as they
    travelled through the night? a musher; knowing what a musher does and giving
    commands to the dogs p.51
  2. Why did the huskies come to a halt
    and start barking? Jack tumbled off the sled from a sharp curve p.56
  3. Why did Jack fall behind Annie when
    he was running with the sled? As they were running on ice he broke through
    and got stuck in the ice p.58
  4. Why did Jack need to get out of his
    wet boots? It was so cold he could get severe frost bite p.59

Chapter 6

  1. How did Ed help Jack and Annie? He
    gave them shelter and a warm place to be. He knew what to do for Jack’s feet; he
    fed them; he also unhitched the dogs so they wouldn’t freeze out in the cold
    and let them come inside p.62
  2. What did Ed and Annie do to help the
    dogs feel better? Gave them water and massaged each foot p.64
  3. How did Ed react when Jack and Annie
    told him they needed to go back into the storm? he thought they were crazy
    p.69
  4. What did Ed do to stop Jack and Annie
    from going back into the blizzard? Fed them and was firm on not letting them
    p.71

Chapter 7

  1. Who is Balto? Gunnar Kaasen’s dog;
    he’s one of the best lead dogs in Alaska; loves to run a trail; great strength
    and courage; big shaggy black dog p.74
  2. Why are Alaskans grateful for the
    animals that live there? The people couldn’t live without them; they get
    their clothing, food and other necessities from them p.75
  3. What happened when Annie used the
    stardust in Ed’s home? It made everything look like they were never there
    p.80
  4. What did the jingling bells mean? Another
    dogsled was near p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find? Gunnar
    Kaasen and his dogsled p.86
  2. What fell off the sled into the snow?
    The medicine p.88
  3. Why did Annie unhook Balto? So he
    could help them find the medicine p.88
  4. What influence did Balto have on the
    other huskies? They were livelier and stronger than before p.94

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Oki excited the newspaper
    reporters were in town? He wanted the whole world to hear their story and
    that Jack and Annie saved the day p.98
  2. Why did Jack and Annie throw the
    stardust into the air? So everyone who saw them on their mission would
    forget them p.99
  3. Who did Mr. Kaasen say he owed the
    success of his part of the relay? His dog, Balto p.101
  4. Who bounded after Jack and Annie as
    they headed for the tree house? Balto p.102

Chapter 10

  1. What did Annie think was the best part
    of their mission? The dogs p.108
  2. What did Annie find in the greenery? A
    puppy p.110
  3. Why would the puppy be a gift to Jack
    and Annie? For always being willing to serve and help Merlin and Morgan p.111
  4. What did they name the puppy? Oki
    p.114

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #25 Shadow of the Shark

Shadow of the Shark

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

When Teddy, a young sorcerer, offers to send Jack and Annie on a dream vacation, they can't wait to go. The brother-and-sister pair wish for a trip to a beach paradise, and the magic tree house whisks them off to the coast of Mexico. Everything starts out perfectly as they raft around a coral reef. But then a hungry shark attacks and their dream vacation turns into a nightmare!

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What were the children up to when they found
    Teddy’s note? They had just finished snorkeling and were riding their bikes
    home p.5
  2. How do Merlin and Morgan want to thank Jack and
    Annie for their hard work? By sending them on holiday, a vacation p.10
  3. Where do Jack and Annie want to go on vacation
    and why? Cozumel; the snorkeling is great there p.11

Chapter 2

  1. Why didn’t Jack want Annie to record or take
    pictures of the beach? He didn’t know what he would say to his parents if
    they saw the video or pictures p.19
  2. Why was Jack hesitant to take the raft? He didn’t
    know who it belonged to p.20
  3. What did Jack read in the guidebook about coral?
    It’s made of animals, is very delicate and takes a long time to grow, so you
    shouldn’t touch it p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Describe what Jack saw as he snorkeled in
    the water? Fish, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, a stingray p.27
  2. Why was it so difficult for Jack to control the
    raft? The current was pushing him around p.32
  3. What did Jack see that made him panic? A shark
    fin coming towards them p.33
  4. How did Jack and Annie escape the shark? They
    used a coin from the velvet bag and said they’d like to have fun escaping the
    shark, so the waves pushed them further out to sea p.35

Chapter 4

  1. What did the kids learn they were floating
    towards? Eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula p.40
  2. Why did the kids want to use a magical coin? To
    wish for money so they could pay for a hotel, dinner, ferry ride and the theme
    park they read about p.46
  3. Why did Annie want to check out the theme park
    before going to the hotel? She heard music and wanted to see if there was a performance
    going on p.48

Chapter 5

  1. How did Annie convince Jack to skip buying the
    tickets and slip through the opening of the wall? She told him the show
    would be over if they spent the time to buy the tickets p.54
  2. What did Jack notice the audience was wearing? Boy
    were wearing loincloths or feathered robes and the women and girls wore colorful
    dresses with big jewelry; many men wore headdresses p.55
  3. What happened when Annie spoke to the boys
    watching the dance? They were frightened and one told his mom; the dance
    stopped, the warriors came and got Jack and Annie and took them to the House of
    Columns p.58

Chapter 6

  1. What did Jack and Annie realize while waiting
    in the House of Columns? Teddy accidentally sent them to ancient Mayan times,
    not to Cozumel in their timep.64
  2. What happened to the velvet coin purse? Annie
    put it down to help put the raft on the beach and left it on the sand p.67
  3. Why does Heart-of-the-Wind’s father think Jack
    is to be the next ruler? He thinks the gods sent Jack p.75

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Annie call Heart-of-the-Wind brave? She
    loves to explore and swim in the dark by herself p.78
  2. How did Jack and Annie escape the House of
    Columns? Heart-of-the-Wind distracted the guards and the kids jumped out the
    window p.80
  3. Who are the Ones-Who-Tell-the-History-of-the-Forest
    and why? Howler monkeys; they howl at night as if they’re telling a story
    p.83
  4. How did the kids get passed the jaguar in
    the forest? Heart-of-the-Wind gave him peaceful thoughts p.86

Chapter 8

  1. What did Heart-of-the-Wind call the sinkhole? The
    Sacred Well p.90
  2. Describe the Underworld. A huge chamber with
    a hole in the top letting moonlight in, huge columns of white rock stretched
    down from the ceiling (stalactites), with animal statues guarding it, then to a
    narrow pitch-black cave p.91
  3. Why did Jack and Annie suggest Heart-of-the-Wind
    be the next leader of her people? She was a great leader, with courage and
    compassion p.98

Chapter 9

  1. What was Annie’s plan for convincing Heart-of-the-Wind’s father that she’d make a great
    leader? Use the cell phone to have Jack record a message to her father, to
    plant the idea that she could be the next leader p.104
  2. How did Heart-of-the-Wind respond to using
    the phone and watching the message? She was in awe p.106
  3. Why did Heart-of-the-Wind want to make the wish?
    She wanted to make a miracle for the kids, just like they had done for her
    p.111

Chapter 10

  1. How did Jack and Annie get back to Cozumel safely?
    A huge whale shark swam under them, lifted the raft onto its back and swam
    to the shore p.117
  2. Why did the whale behave that way? When Heart-of-the-Wind
    spoke the words for the coin, she asked that a shark help the kids have a fun
    and safe ride p.118
  3. What did Jack find when he looked up Heart-of-the-Wind
    on the computer? That she had become a ruler of the Mayan people, was the
    first female ruler, and became ruler under extremely unusual circumstances
    p.129