Before Reading Preparation
Read chapter 1
In what way has Wendy Orr borrowed some of her ideas for this story from the Bible story of Noah?
What does the word ark immediately make you think of?
Can you predict what themes might also be running through this story by Wendy Orr?
Many of Wendy's early books were about the longing for animals as pets. This story is too, however there is something deeper than that in this story. Keep this in mind as you continue to read.
In what way has Wendy Orr borrowed some of her ideas for this story from the Bible story of Noah?
What does the word ark immediately make you think of?
Can you predict what themes might also be running through this story by Wendy Orr?
Many of Wendy's early books were about the longing for animals as pets. This story is too, however there is something deeper than that in this story. Keep this in mind as you continue to read.
After reading the entire story
1. What do you think this story is really about? Do you think it is about more than just wanting to have a pet? What was missing in Sophie's life and what was missing in Mr and Mrs Noah's lives? What are the key messages for us from this story?
2. What country do you think Sophie's parents are from? Can you make a list of "clues"
you find throughout the story?
3. On p.21, as Sophie sits gazing out of the window, her mother asks her, "What are you
watching, Sophie?" Sophie answers, "Nothing." Why do you think she didn't want to tell
her mother what she had been thinking about?
4. What does Mrs. Noah mean when she says, "Anyone can buy a pet...Nobody can buy a
friend."
5. Have you ever wished for something that you thought was impossible? What
happened?
6. Have you ever had a relationship with adults who are not your real relatives but who are just like them? What are the positives for the children and what are the positives for the adults?
7. Do you think that Wendy Orr believes that animals can take the place of friends? (Think about all the Wendy Orr stories you have read so far)
2. What country do you think Sophie's parents are from? Can you make a list of "clues"
you find throughout the story?
3. On p.21, as Sophie sits gazing out of the window, her mother asks her, "What are you
watching, Sophie?" Sophie answers, "Nothing." Why do you think she didn't want to tell
her mother what she had been thinking about?
4. What does Mrs. Noah mean when she says, "Anyone can buy a pet...Nobody can buy a
friend."
5. Have you ever wished for something that you thought was impossible? What
happened?
6. Have you ever had a relationship with adults who are not your real relatives but who are just like them? What are the positives for the children and what are the positives for the adults?
7. Do you think that Wendy Orr believes that animals can take the place of friends? (Think about all the Wendy Orr stories you have read so far)