Elements of Art
How does William Steig use elements of art in the illustration on page [3] to introduce the ocean?
The composition shows Amos sitting on the beach by himself and facing the ocean, just as the reader does, suggesting that the ocean is very interesting.
The foam on one of the breakers creates a big white line across the illustration, drawing attention to the waves of the ocean.
The ocean forms a large band of blue between a pink sky and yellow sand. It takes up a large portion of the illustration and seems very important in this illustration.
How does William Steig's use of language and the elements of art on pages [8] and [9] help you understand the meaning of the word akin?
William Steig says Amos "felt thoroughly akin" to the universe, so akin must describe a relationship of some sort.
The sky, the water, and the whales are all the shades of blue and make them seem all part of one element.
A line showing an ocean wave moves from Amos's boat to a whale in the middle of the picture on page [9], making it seem as though the boat and the whale are connected in some way.
The word choices and images suggest that akin means "similar or related in spirit."
How does the text support the image on pages [22-23]?
The text suggests that the illustration shows "one of the worst storms of the century, Hurricane Yetta"
The text says the storm was so big that a tidal wave flung Boris to the shore, so the waves were very big and powerful.
How does William Steig use word choices on page [3] to introduce the ocean?
The text says that Amos "loved the ocean," suggesting that the ocean is very special.
The text says, "He [Amos] loved the smell of sea air. He loved to hear the surf sounds-the bursting breakers, the backwashes with rolling pebbles." The details explain some of the reasons the ocean is special.
How does your knowledge of Amos's character and the setting help clarify the meaning of the word overwhelmed?
page 8-9
Amos is a tiny mouse on his boat and the ocean is large. He is trying to "take it all in" looking at the sky and the sea.
The illustrations on pages 22-23 helps the reader understand that the waves are...
strong and dangerous. We can see Boris, a giant whale, is being carried out by the waves.
On page 9, which words help the reader understand the meaning of the word speck?
the tiny mouse, little
What textual evidence proves that Amos desperately wants to get back on his boat?
page 10
He yelled "Help!" and tried to grab his boat. He was stuck in the middle of the ocean, there was nothing to grab on to and no one to help.
On page 25, How is Boris feeling?
He is uncertain that Amos can help him.
How are the events on page 9 important to the development of the plot?
If Amos had not rolled off his boat, he would have never met Boris.
How does the illustration on page 25 help the reader understand the meaning of stranded?
We see that Boris is unable to move and without help.
Stranded means unable to move somewhere, stuck.
On page 11, the word immense means...
large, huge, gigantic
How do you know?
Which sentence on pages 22-23 helps the reader understand that Boris is in danger?
Boris the whale was flung ashore by a tidal wave and stranded
On page 9, Amos and the stars are alike because...
they are both little specks in the universe
If Amos never fell overboard, what main event would have not happened?
He would never have met and became friends with Boris.
Which illustrations throughout the story reveal that the sea can be both dangerous and beautiful?
When Amos set sail on the Rodent, the sea was calm and peaceful. When the hurricane hit, we see that the sea is strong and dangerous throwing Boris out of the water.
How does the illustration on page 10 help the reader understand the meaning of desperately?
Amos is holding his hand out. He is floating away trying to catch the boat.
On page 14, why does Amos want Boris to give him a ride?
Amos does not want any more adventures and wants to go home.
On page 15, what helps the reader understand the meaning of privilege?
"What other whale in all the world ever had the chance to get to know such a strange creature as you!"
On pages 13-15 we learn that Amos's problem is resolved because...
Boris was also headed to the Ivory Coast of Africa and gave Amos a ride.
Based on the illustration on page 8, the reader can conclude that Amos is feeling...
Calm, relaxed, at peace.
Why?
On pages 24-25, why does Amos rush to Boris?
He is worried because the whale should be in water?
Which sentence on page 19 best supports the idea that Amos and Boris were close friends?
They shared their deepest secrets.
On page 19, what text helps the reader understand the meaning of the word accounts?
"what went on deep under the sea"
Boris is describing what goes on under the sea.
What Challenge do Amos And Boris face in the story?
Amos and Boris must live in different places.