What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?
One Sunday afternoon, the author observed a strange smell. Suddenly, he saw smoke coming through the ceiling and occupying the whole room very quickly. The vision became hazy and they could hardly see anything after the smoke. By the time, they ran out into the front yard, the roof was already in flames and fire was spreading quickly. His mother runs back into the house to bring a small metal box which was full of important documents. She wanted to bring out important things from the house one by one. She was in a ‘crazed state’.
What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?
Why does he break down in tears after the fire?
What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?
Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?
The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?
What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?
How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?
In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?
Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?
What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused.” What examples has he given to justify this?
Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?
Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?
How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?
How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?
Do you think Prashant is a good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?
What happens when the zip on his carry-on bag gives way?