Vocab
In Chapter 19, when the insects realize that sharks are attacking the peach, they begin to panic. What does the word 'panic' mean?
A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought or action.
Context:This is the wild, chaotic behavior the bugs show until James tells them to be quiet so they can think.
In Chapter 19, the bugs hear a loud noise. What are the sharks doing to the bottom of the peach?
They are biting it and chewing on it.
In Chapter 19, the giant peach is no longer rolling on land. Where is the peach floating now?
It is floating in the middle of the big, deep ocean.
In Chapter 19, the bugs look over the side of the peach and gasp, "Sharks! Black sharks! Swarms of them!" What is the tone of their voices?
Shocked, frightened, and scared.
In Chapter 19, the primary danger comes from the ocean. What are the sharks doing that creates a massive conflict for the characters?
They are attacking and biting the bottom of the giant peach, threatening to sink it.
In Chapter 20, James comes up with a clever way to lure the seagulls closer by using the Earthworm. What does the word lure mean?
To attract or tempt someone or something to go somewhere.
Context note: James uses the Earthworm as bait to entice the birds down to the peach.
In Chapter 20, the Earthworm screams, "I don't want to be eaten!" Why does he say this?
Because James wants to use him as bait to get the seagulls to fly close.
In Chapter 20, James looks up at the sky above the peach. What kind of animals are flying all around in the setting?
Hundreds of seagulls.
When the bugs are crying, James says, "Listen to me! I have a plan! We are going to be safe!" What is the tone of James's words?
Brave, strong, and comforting.
James wants to think of a plan, but the bugs are yelling too loudly. What does James do to solve this argument?
He shouts, "Silence!" so everyone will stop making noise and let him speak.
When James describes his plan, the Earthworm is initially reluctant to participate because he doesn't want to be eaten by the birds. What does reluctant mean?
Unwilling and hesitant to do something.
Context note: The Earthworm holds back and argues against the plan because he is afraid.
In Chapter 21, what do Miss Spider and the Silkworm do with their bodies to help James catch the birds?
They spin yards and yards of silk thread as fast as they can.
In Chapter 22, James has to climb up to a very specific part of the peach to tie the silk strings. Where does he climb?
He climbs up to the very top of the peach's stem.
When James first says he will use seagulls to fly, the Centipede snaps, "You're absolutely crazy! It can't be done!" What is the tone of the Centipede here?
Disbelieving, grumpy, and doubtful.
James needs to use the Earthworm as bait to catch the seagulls. Why does the Earthworm get into a big fight with James about this?
The Earthworm is terrified that the seagulls will peck him and eat him up.
In Chapter 20, as James looks up at the sky, he sees hundreds of seagulls hovering above the giant peach. What does the word hover mean?
floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air above one place.
Context note: The seagulls stay right above the peach in the air while checking out the Earthworm.
In Chapter 22, James's plan works! What do the seagulls do to the giant peach?
They pull it up out of the water and fly it into the sky.
In Chapter 23, the peach lifts up out of the water. Where is the peach setting now?
It is high up in the sky, floating in the clouds.
In Chapter 20, James speaks very softly and kindly to the Earthworm to explain why they need his help. What is the tone of James's voice?
Gentle, sweet, and patient.
When the seagulls fly down to eat the Earthworm, what unexpected trap do they run into?
James loops a silk string around their necks so they cannot fly away freely.
James needs to find a way to harness the seagulls to the stem of the peach using Miss Spider's silk. What does the word harness mean in this context?
To attach, tie, or connect something together so it can be controlled or used to pull weight.
Context note: James loops the silk threads around the seagulls' necks to use their flying power to pull the peach out of the water.
In Chapter 21, the Earthworm is very scared of the birds. What does he do with his body when James tells him to get ready?
He wiggles and twists around on top of the peach to get the birds to look at him.
In Chapter 23, when the peach leaves the ocean and goes up into the sky, what are the characters sitting on while they fly?
They are sitting on the outside of the giant peach.
The Earthworm groans, "Why must it always be me? I am always the one who gets hurt!" What is the tone of the Earthworm's complaint?
Whiny, sad, and feeling sorry for himself.
In Chapter 21, Miss Spider and the Silkworm have to spin silk faster and faster while the sharks keep biting. What is the race against time conflict here?
They have to catch enough seagulls to lift the peach before the sharks completely destroy it.