The Fledgling by Jane Langton

The Present - Wanting Things

How are the human occupants of the house related?  Who will be our principle characters?

Vocabulary:

migrate (1)

gaze (5)

stagger (7)

gosling (9)

resident (13)

ideal (14)

The Bush House - Madeline Prawn

Why is everyone upset that Miss Prawn is the new neighbor?  Who is she?  What is she like?

Vocabulary:

impulsive (19)

dregs (21)

colossal (23)

repulsive (24)

dismay (27)

trowel (35)

The Kind Interference of Mr. Preek - Dorothea Brings the Word

Mr. Preek and Miss Prawn have a certain kind of child that they like.  Describe this child.

Vocabulary:

sturdy (39)

sullen (43)

infuriating (43)

transfix (49)

swoon (55)

pious (57)

At Last - Target Practice

What are Miss Prawn's beliefs about Georgie?  Do they seem right?  What is your opinion?

Vocabulary:

descend (65)

promptly (66)

indignant (68)

amble (69)

wince (72)

waif (76)

The Cudgel of Friendship - Flyyyyyy!

What reason does Mr. Preek have for wanting the gun?  Why does he want to shoot "big ducks" so badly?

Vocabulary:

calamity (81)

nimble (83)

cove (85)

aloft (90)

idle (95)

law-abiding (95)

Tiny Springs and Little Wheels - Eleanor Has a Birthday

Georgie's mother knows about her leaving at night.  Why doesn't she stop her or say anything?

Vocabulary:

peculiar (100)

noble (101)

earnest (103)

commotion (106)

lather (114)

sincere (116)

Miss Prawn Leans in Again - Aunt Alex Takes No Chances

How has the Georgie Protection Society planned to keep her safe?  How do the two members feel about her and their responsibilities?

Vocabulary:

ecstatic (120)

visage (124)

serene (127)

submerge (130)

sulk (133)

envious (135)

A Playmate for Georgie - A Fair Exchange

What could the goose prince's present be?  Why does he want to give it?  Explain your prediction.

Vocabulary:

blundering (143)

reluctant (144)

wan (146)

irritate (154)

enchant (155)

lame (158)

The Cleverness of Georgie - The Present At Last

What lessons might the author have been trying to teach through characters actons?  Think of Georgie, Mr. Preek and Miss Prawn.

Vocabulary:

indomitable (163)

wily (166)

grim (170

tumalt (179)