Vocabulary
What does "amplify" mean? page 127
increase the volume
What is an example of a hyperbole on page 51?
You are the king of sleepers.
How does Ivan feel about Ruby at first? Explain
He is jealous. He pouts in the corner.
What evidence is there that Julia is worried?
She does not leave Stella's cage, and she does not do her homework or even draw.
Which character is compassionate and mothering? Explain.
Stella; she strokes and pats Ruby. She encourages her. They twirl their trunks together like they're holding hands.
What does "smudge" mean? page 90
a blurred or smeared mark on the surface of something
What is a simile on page 55? What is an example of personification on page 55?
Stella's breathing sounds like the wind in trees. I wait for sleep to find me.
What is the theme in the chapter "Elephant Jokes"?
Family
friendship
What characteristic is shown when Ivan says he promises before he even knows what he is agreeing to?
love, devotion
Which character is rough and rugged and can take care of himself?
Bob; he survives on his own on the streets without an owner.
Having a rough irregular, uneven surface or uneven breathing is ____________________? page 108
ragged
What is an example of a simile on page 3?
Gorillas are as patient as stones. Humans chatter like chimps crowding the world with their noise.
Summarize the conversation Ivan and Stella have about having children.
They discuss that Stella would have been a good mother: teaching the young, taking care of them, but she's not sure she could protect them.
What did Stella ask Ivan to promise her and why?
She wants Ivan to take care of Ruby and find her a safe place. She wants Ruby to have a better life than she had.
Which character is intelligent and modest? He is also very mild tempered and a devoted friend. Explain
Ivan; he would do anything for Stella, he takes care of Ruby, he has learned to draw, he understands what the humans are saying
An undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger is a ______________________. page 127
venture
What is an example of personification on page 68?
The truck comes lumbering toward the parking lot. A big white truck is backing up to the door, belching smoke.
What is Ruby's view of humans as compared to Bob and Ivan's view?
Ruby things there can be good humans and bad humans, while Bob and Ivan think they are all bad.
What does it mean when Ivan says he wishes his heart was made of ice?
He feels such pain and sorrow over Stella dying. If his heart was made of ice, it wouldn't hurt so bad.
What are characteristics to describe Mack?
nervous, concerned for others, depressed, sometimes mean and grumpy
Use "shrouded" in a sentence as it relates to the book. page 120
Answers may vary
What is an example of alliteration on page 101?
colored clouds
What adjective describes how Ivan feels about Ruby's "sad cry" (trumpet noise) being a hit with the crowd? Explain
He felt conflicted; both happy and sad. Happy she's a hit, but sad Ruby is there to replace Stella.
What does the chapter, The End, represent? pg 128
The end of Ivan's perfect life as he was taken by the humans.
What characteristics describe Ruby?
optimistic, curious, afraid