Chapter 20

The Adventures of Pinocchio

Scouts · 1st–3rd

Copywork

It had rained for many days, and the road was so muddy that, at times, Pinocchio sank down almost to his knees. But he kept on bravely.

Read the two sentences aloud. How do you think Pinocchio feels as he walks?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happened, from the day Pinocchio left the prison to the moment the trap snapped shut on his legs.

1. Pinocchio says, “I deserve everything, for I am certainly very stubborn and stupid.” Is he being fair to himself? What makes you think so?Character

2. Pinocchio, “trying to feel very brave,” speaks to the Serpent in a sweet, soothing voice. Why might he choose a sweet voice?Inference

3. At first the Serpent is scary. Then Pinocchio lands with his legs in the air. Is the Serpent scene scary, funny, or both? What makes you think so?Tone

4. Pinocchio is so hungry that he jumps into a field to pick a few grapes. Was that wrong, or understandable? What makes you think so?Moral reasoning

5. Just before the trap snaps, the author says, “Woe to him!” Why might the author speak up there?Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you meant to do something right and then found it hard to keep going.

Vocabulary

Crossword

1					2
		3	4
5

6


	7			8

Across

Across 1. Covered in or full of wet dirt.
Across 2. Made to want something you should not take.
Across 3. To stop being angry at someone for what they did.
Across 5. In a way that shows courage.
Across 6. Troubled and pushed by a strong feeling.
Across 7. Sudden sharp feelings, such as of hunger.

Down

Down 2. Very great fear.
Down 4. Doing what you are told.
Down 8. Not willing to change your mind or listen.

The words in the chapter

muddy the road was so muddy that, at times, Pinocchio sank down almost to his knees
bravely But he kept on bravely.
tormented Tormented by the wish to see his father
stubborn I am certainly very stubborn and stupid!
obedient I’ll try to become a most obedient boy.

forgive will the Fairy ever forgive me for all I have done?
terror As he spoke, he stopped suddenly, frozen with terror.
pangs the pangs of hunger grew so strong
tempted a few grapes that tempted him

Critical thinking

1. Pinocchio sinks almost to his knees in mud, but “he kept on bravely.” Using two details, tell what keeps him going.

2. Pinocchio thinks the Serpent is dead and starts to step over him. Using two details, tell why he believes it so fast.

3. Pinocchio is “frozen with terror” when he first sees the Serpent. Using two details, tell what frightens him most.