The Vanderbeekers

When Isa yells at Jessie, what signpost is it?

• Words of the Wiser

• Contrast and contradiction

• Again and again

• Aha moment

When Isa and her siblings hear from Mr. Van Hooten about the violin, what signpost is it?

• Contrast and contradiction

• Aha moment

• Tough question

• Again and again

What idea does Mr. Jeet have for Paginini (Laney's bunny)?

• To train Paginini to do tricks.

• To feed Paginini new food.

• To make a movie about him

• To bring Paginini to Mr. Beiderman for entertainment.

One of the biggest misunderstandings in the story resulted in two people being angry at each other. Who were those people and why were they mad?

• Isa and Laney had an argument because Laney kept messing up the plans the children had for The Beiderman.

• The children's parents argued about where they should move. The mother did not realize how important living near the Brownstone was important to her husband.

• Isa and Jesse argued because Jesse told Bennie her sister would not want to go to the dance with him.

• Oliver argued with his mother about his lack of Christmas presents. His mother believed he should put more thought into his gifts.

Laney had an alter ego and she called herself Panda Laney. Why do you suppose she did this?

• Laney wanted more attention than anyone else in the family so crawling on the floor allowed her to get in everyone's way.

• Laney pretended to be an animal any time she was asked to do a chore. It was her way of getting out of helping.

• Laney was generally successful in getting cookies from her mother when she was Panda Laney.

• Laney missed her stuffed animal that was a panda so she pretended to be one.

What was Oliver’s plan to change Mr. Biederman's mind in the beginning of the book?

• Leave a new gift everyday, much like the Twelve Days of Christmas.

• For all the children to be very nice until Mr. Biederman lets agrees to let them stay.

• Do nothing and give up; they are going to have to move.

• For Jesse to pick the lock, Hyacinth to torture Mr. Biederman with sewing needles, and for Laney to suffocate him with hugs and kisses.

In the beginning, the children believe that Mr. Biederman is just a mean old man who doesn't like children and noise. What evidence does the reader have that supports this?

• He yelled to have Isa stop playing her violin.

• He never comes out of his apartment.

• He slammed the door on the children when they tried to leave a gift.

• He keeps the lights dimmed and he wants the Vanderbeekers to do the same.

What does the following statement mean? "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened".

• Having an animal is a lot of work and the animal will appreciate you more if you feed it on time.

• An animal will love you no matter what. This feeling is simply amazing.

• An animal who loves you will remain loyal and when you are having a bad day it will sit close by you, be silent, and gently nuzzle you. This is a wonderful feeling.

• Animals do not care who takes care of them so you are lucky if they chose you.

How did Abigail and Luciana Biederman die?

• Mr. Biederman was driving and he ran a red light.

• They were struck by a car while crossing street.

• It was a motorcycle accident.

• They were mountain climbing and they slipped off a rock.

What was the theme of the story?

• Behaving as someone wants you to.

• Making Mr. Biederman change his mind.

• Isa finally getting asked to a dance.

• Family and kindness