Preview
Copywork
About This Passage
Selected because Lobel ends the entire book with a quiet image: Owl asleep, the moon shining through the window, no sadness. The phrase "good round friend" is one of the strangest small phrases in children's literature — Owl thanks the moon by mentioning its shape. The copywork lesson is in the calm, declarative sentences ("The moon was shining... Owl did not feel sad...") that close the chapter and the book on a tone of quiet satisfaction.
"Moon, you have followed me all the way home. What a good round friend you are," said Owl. Then Owl put his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. The moon was shining down through the window. Owl di...
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?
Discussion Questions
- Owl meets the moon and decides almost instantly that they are friends. The decision is not based on conversation, shared experience, or anything the moon has done. It is based on Owl looking at the moon for a long time. What does this kind of instant friendship tell us about how Owl thinks friendship is made?
- Owl tries hard to send the moon back to the sea. "You must not come home with me. My house is small. You would not fit through the door." Why does Owl try to keep his new friend at arm's length, even though he just made the friendship?
+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide
Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
The natural satellite of the earth that shines in the night sky; the central character of the chapter besides Owl.
Item 2
The land along the edge of the sea; the open setting where Owl first looks up and notices the moon.
Item 3
The moving lines of water on the surface of the sea; the literal foreground against which the moon rises in Owl's view.
+ 7 more vocabulary words in the complete study guide
Critical Thinking
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