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Copywork
About This Passage
Cynthia Rylant introduces the cat with three vivid, careful details and one surprising comparison — a model of how good writers help us see something new.
Sitting on the steps was the shabbiest cat Henry had ever seen. It had a saggy belly, skinny legs, and fur that looked like mashed prunes.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell someone what happened in this chapter in order. When you get to the most important part, slow down and tell it carefully — what happened, why it mattered, and what you think about it.
Discussion Questions
- Henry's father calls the cat 'the shabbiest cat' he has ever seen, and even calls it 'a disaster' — but he carries the cat into the house anyway. Did his words match what he did, or did they not match? What in the story makes you think so?
- Mudge wags his tail hard when the cat comes inside. What is Mudge saying with his tail? What in the story makes you think so?
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Critical Thinking
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