Fern's Relationships with Animals and People

Fern shares imaginative stories about Charlotte's spider cousins, which concerns her mother, Mrs. Arable. Mrs. Arable consults Dr. Dorian about Fern's fascination with animals. Dr. Dorian reassures her, suggesting that Fern's interest is natural and that children perceive the world differently. He emphasizes the wonder of nature and the possibility of animal communication.

What activity does Fern's mother wish she would do instead of going to the barn?

• Read books

• Play with other children

• Help with chores

• Visit her grandmother

What does Fern claim Charlotte can do that surprises her mother?

• Write letters

• Dance

• Tell stories

• Sing songs

How does Fern describe the way the fish got caught in the web?

• It leaped into the air and got tangled

• It was placed there by a bird

• It was caught by a fisherman

• It swam into the web

What does Fern's mother suggest Fern do instead of going to the barn?

• Go to school

• Help with cooking

• Play outdoors with friends

• Visit the library

Why does Mrs. Arable decide to visit Dr. Dorian?

• To invite him to a party

• To talk about a new recipe

• To get advice about Fern's interest in animals

• To discuss Fern's health

What does Dr. Dorian find enchanting about Fern's behavior?

• Her ability to sing

• Her interest in reading

• Her fascination with the barn animals

• Her talent for drawing

What does Dr. Dorian say about the miracle of spider webs?

• They are man-made

• They are a miracle in themselves

• They are a common occurrence

• They are easy to understand

What is Dr. Dorian's opinion on animals talking?

• He has never heard them talk but doesn't dismiss the idea

• He believes they can talk

• He has heard them talk frequently

• He thinks it's impossible

What does Dr. Dorian predict about Fern's future interests?

• She will become a scientist

• She will become a farmer

• She will always love animals but will also be interested in other things

• She will lose interest in animals

Who is Henry Fussy in relation to Fern?

• A boy she knows

• Her teacher

• Her cousin

• Her brother