Melissa and the Caterpillar

How does Melissa's feeling about the caterpillar change after her mom vacuums up the ants?

• Melissa becomes more protective of the caterpillar, realizing the potential danger it faces.
• Melissa becomes angry at her mom for potentially harming the caterpillar.
• Melissa loses interest in the caterpillar, focusing instead on helping her mom with the ants.
• Melissa decides to keep the caterpillar inside from now on.

What does Melissa's mom's reaction to Melissa's missing caterpillar reveal about her character?

• It shows that she is secretly afraid of bugs and doesn't want them in the house.
• It shows that she cares about Melissa's feelings and wants to make sure she is happy, even if it means doing something unpleasant.
• It shows that she is easily stressed and overreacts to small problems.
• It shows that she doesn't pay attention to what Melissa is doing and only cares about cleaning.

Which of the following quotes from the text best illustrates the theme of appreciating small things?

• "Hello little fella!” Melissa said, as she gently dipped her hands down.
• “You’re out, Melissa!” her twin sister Brianna yelled.
• “Tiny things are taking over!” An army of ants had invaded the entry way.
• “VROOM!” she fired up the vacuum and began sucking up the tiny crawling creatures.

How do the actions of Melissa and her mom in the text contribute to the development of the theme of caring?

• Melissa shows caring by creating a home for the caterpillar, while her mom shows caring by protecting the house from ants.
• Melissa shows caring by playing tag with her sisters, while her mom shows caring by washing the dishes.
• Melissa shows caring by ignoring her mom, while her mom shows caring by yelling at Melissa.
• Melissa shows caring by being sad, while her mom shows caring by vacuuming the house.

What is a major idea that emerges from the text, and how is it supported by specific details?

• The importance of kindness and compassion, supported by Melissa's gentle treatment of the caterpillar.
• The dangers of insects, supported by the mom's reaction to the ants.
• The fun of playing outside, supported by Melissa playing tag with her sisters.
• The importance of cleaning, supported by the mom vacuuming the ants.

How does the way Melissa describes the caterpillar help make the story feel gentle and caring?

• By calling it a 'fuzzy eyebrow' and describing it as moving.
• By describing it as a 'furry black caterpillar' and gently stroking its fuzz.
• By mentioning that it crawled on 'coarse, cold concrete'.
• By saying it was playing 'hide and seek'.