Directions

As you read, please define the vocabulary words and answer all of the questions for each of the chapters.

Chapter 1

Vocabulary
Bellboy
Croquet
Vacancy
Dreadful
Threadbare

Comprehension Questions
Where did the Gridley family travel from?
How does Mrs. Gridley feel about having to stay at the Mountain View Inn?
Why does Mr. Gridley not want to leave?
What did Keith pack with him?

Chapter 2

Vocabulary
Despair
Apt
Momentum
Chromium

Comprehension Questions
Why is Ralph's mother concerned about the use of aspirin tablets?
How does Ralph feel about the motorcycle?
What was Ralph's first impression about Keith?

Chapter 3

Vocabulary
Incinerator
Basin
Eager
Predicament
Tourist

Comprehension Questions
What have you learned so far about the character of Ralph? Make a list of qualities that describe him or make a character web.
Using the format of a venn diagram, compare and Contrast events that have happened in the book thus far that are either real or imaginary.
How did Ralph become trapped in the trash can?  What are his thoughts about his predicament?

Activity
Create an advertisement for the Mountain View Inn.  Be sure to include a description of the hotel, what it offers to tourists, and reviews from satisfied visitors.

Chapter 4

Vocabulary
Quiver
Indignant
Dignity
Bravado
Mislay

Comprehension Questions
Describe Keith's reaction to meeting Ralph for the first time.

Illustrate a comic strip to show Ralph's first attempt at riding the motorcycle.
Why is Ralph so afraid of dogs?

Chapter 5

Vocabulary
Threshold
Captive
Giddy
Jauntly

Comprehension Questions
Would you have trusted Ralph wth your toy motorcycle? Why or Why not?
What does Ralph have to do to make the motorcycle run?
Describe how Ralph feels when he rides the motorcycle.

Write a few sentences about your favorite toy.  Be sure to include an illustration.

Chapter 6

Vocabulary
Generous
Associate
Anxious

Comprehension Questions
What makes Ralph feel that Keith is a very generous boy?
What food item does Ralph ask Keith to bring him?
Why does Ralph find himself trapped under the bed?

Chapter 7

Vocabulary
Oblivious
Devour
Exhaust
Reckless

Comprehension Questions
How does Ralph lose the motorcycle?
How do you predict Keith will feel when he finds out?
What would you do if you were Keith?

Chapter 8

Vocabulary
Reunion
Thistledown
Tactless
Pilfering

Comprehension Questions
Why did Ralph's family decide to have a family reunion?
What was Keith's gift to Ralph? How did he make it?
How did Ralph feel after he confessed to Keith that he lost the motorcycle?
Do you think Ralph made the right choice by telling Keith what happened? Why or why not.

Activity

Design a helmet for Ralph using recycled materials

Chapter 9

Vocabulary
Pandemonium
Bewildered
Fragrance
Agitated

Comprehension Questions
Why do you think Keith does not stay mad at Ralph?
What does Ralp find out from his family when he returns to the mouse hole?
Describe how you would feel if you were in Ralph's family's position.  Would you stay at the hotel or leave?

Chapter 10

Vocabulary
Sparingly
Switchboard
Exasperated
Scurrying

Comprehension Questions
Why does Ralph's family of mice rely on him to get them food?
Explain why Keith's family can not give him an aspirin.
In your opinion, why do you think Ralph decides he must be the one to find an aspirin and bring it to Keith?

Chapter 11

Vocabulary
Steadfast
Cunning
Endangering
Ebbed

Comprehension Questions
Why is Ralph's family upset that he is going on a search to bring Keith aspirin?
Coul Ralph be described as cunning? Why or Why not?

Chapter 12

Vocabulary
Grimly
Nuisance
Din
Detour

Comprehension Questions
What plan does Ralph think of to bring the aspirin to Keith?
What does the dog in the story do to be considered a nuisance to Ralph?
Why does Ralph's plan work?

Chapter 13

Vocabulary
Tip
Flaw
Modesty
Mused
Swagger

Comprehension Questions
At the beginning of the chapter 13, the author states, "Ralph was a hero in the mouse hole that night." What is a hero to you?  Do you think Ralp truly is a hero?

At the end of the story, did Ralph prove that he was grown up to ride a motorcycle? Why or Why not?