The Tale of

Despereaux
Preview
 Which version of this unit do I need?
Links to Digital Vocabulary Comprehension Constructed
Version Activities Skill Practice
Resources Practice Questions Writing Prompts

The Tale of
Despereaux Digital +
Printable      
The Tale of
Despereaux Printable     
The Tale of
Despereaux Abridged    
On the following pages, you will see snapshot examples for
The Tale of Despereaux Digital + Printable Novel Study.
Be sure to look closely to see which version works best for your needs.
VOCABULARY RESOURCES VOCABULARY
BOOKMARKS

WORD LIST
Students practice with two
focus words for each reading
selection. A wordlist with
definitions, synonyms, and
sample sentences from the
story is included.

WORD CARDS PRACTICE BOOK TEST WITH ANSWER KEY

DIGITAL VOCABULARY
Digital vocabulary practice
is provided though Boom
Learning Decks.
14 COMPREHENSION CHECKS
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created. I was glad we were having thing however they are consistently engaging within the
fun learning vocabulary and I wasn't story. I love how there is a layout as well within the different
having to persuade them to get it chapters and the flexibility that is given within this resource.
done. Their favorite part though Thank you!
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28 CONSTRUCTED WRITING PROMPTS

Full Page
Answer Keys

with and
without
CCSS
 SAMPLE
SAMPLE SKILL SKILL LESSON
LESSON Practice with Task Cards
Students learn the rules Students must tell why
with the organizer. the sentence is a
fragment.
What are Boom Cards?
Boom Cards are digital task cards that students play on the Boom
Learning Website.

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 are fully digital – require no printing, paper, ink, etc.
 may be used on all modern browsers
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Boom Learning Card Examples
 TheCreated
Tale by
of
Despereaux
Gay Miller
Novel Study Samples

Created by Gay Miller

 Thank you for
downloading this novel
study sample.

On the next pages, you will find the following pages

from the unit including:

• Table of Contents for the Digital + Printable Version

• Lesson Plans at a Glance for the Full Unit

FREE SAMPLE PAGES

The First Reading Selection plus Answer Keys

(These pages are found in all versions of this unit.)
• Vocabulary Practice
• Comprehension Questions
• Constructed Response Writing Prompt
(with and without the Common Core
Standards)

Are you wondering what other novel

studies I have available? You can see
the complete list here.
Table of Contents
Lesson Plans at a Glance 6
SECTION #1 - Links and Passwords to Digital Resources 7
Materials Needed for Creating the Foldable Graphic Organizers 14
SECTION #2 - Vocabulary 15
Teacher Information 16
Vocabulary List 21
Vocabulary Bookmarks 28
Vocabulary Word Cards 30
Vocabulary Practice Booklet 35
Vocabulary Test 58
SECTION #3 - Comprehension & Constructed Writing Questions 62
Teacher Information 63
Comprehension Chapters 1-3 69
Chapters 1-3 Setting 70
Chapters 1-3 Character - Despereaux 71
Comprehension Chapters 4-6 72
Point of View 73
Chapters 4-6 Summarizing 75
Comprehension Chapters 7-9 76
Chapters 7-9 Cause and Effect 77
Chapters 7-9 Course of Action 78
Comprehension Chapters 10-12 79
Chapters 10-12 Character ~ Antoinette 80
Chapters 10-12 Mood 81
Comprehension Chapters 13-15 82
Chapter 13 – Responding to Text 83
Chapters 1-15 - Symbolism 84
Comprehension Chapters 16-19 85
Chapters 16-19 Comparing Roscuro to Despereaux 86
Chapters 16-19 Problem and Solution Chain 87
Comprehension Chapters 20-23 88
Chapter 20– Figurative Language 89
Chapter 23 – Cause and Effect 90
Comprehension Chapters 24-28 91
Chapters 24-28 - Character ~ Miggery Sow 92
Chapters 24-28 - Comparing Characters 93
Comprehension Chapters 29-33 94
Chapters 24-33 - Outline of Book 3 95
Chapters 24-33 - Symbolism 96
Comprehension Chapters 34-37 97
Chapters 34-37 - Summarizing 98
Text to Self, Text to Text, and Text to World 99
Comprehension Chapters 38-41 100
Figurative Language 103
Characters 104
Comprehension Chapters 42-45 106
Character Interactions 107
Symbolism - The Color Red 108
Comprehension Chapters 46-48 109
Theme 110
Full Book – Plot Development Chart 111
Comprehension Chapters 49-52 112
Character Change 113
End of the Book – Comparing the Book to the Movie 114
SECTION #4 - Answer Keys for Comprehension & Constructed Writing 115
SECTION #5 – Addendum – Section #3 without CCSS 161
SECTION #6 -Activities 208
SECTION #7 Skill Practice 210
Teacher Information 211
Prefix and Suffix Cards 215
Prefix and Suffix Practice 226
Root Words Organizer 235
Prefix and Suffix BINGO 239
Figurative Language Response Cards 264
Figurative Language Three Door Flip Organizer 270
Rat and Mice Sayings Memory Game + Bulletin Board Patterns 274
Game Activities to use With Task Cards 281
Context Clues Organizer 296
Context Clues Task Cards 300
Context Clue Game Board 305
Quotation Organizer 310
Direct or Indirect Quotation Organizer 320
Quotation Task Cards 324
Sentence Organizer 335
Sentence Fragment Errors Organizer 339
Sentence Fragment Task Cards 344
Dictionary Entry Organizer 353
Dictionary Entry Task Cards 357
Homophones Organizer 364
Homophone/Troublesome Words Activity – Robin Hood Booklet 368
Credits 383
Lesson Plans at a Glance
Read Vocabulary Comprehension Constructed Response Skill Practice
Question
Chapters speculation Page 1 Chapters 1-3 Setting Prefix/Suffix Cards
1-3 relishing Character - Despereaux
Chapters adhere Page 2 Chapters 4-6 Point of View Prefix/Suffix Practice
4-6 council Summarizing Root Word
Organizer
Chapters indisputable Page 3 Chapters 7-9 Cause and Effect Prefix/Suffix BINGO
7-9 renounce Course of Action

Chapters repent Page 4 Chapters 10-12 Character – Antoinette Figurative

10-12 ominous Mood Language
Response Cards/
Figurative
Language
Organizer
Chapters abyss Page 5 Chapters 13-15 Responding to Text Rat and Mice
13-15 implications Symbolism Sayings Memory
and Bulletin Board
Chapters obsession Page 6 Chapters 16-19 Comparing Characters Context Clues
16-19 torment Problem and Solution Organizer
Chain
Chapters banquet Page 7 Chapters 20-23 Figurative Language Context Clues Task
20-23 dire Cause and Effect Cards

Chapters inquire Page 8 Chapters 24-28 Character ~ Miggery 2 Quotation

24-28 innumerable Sow Organizers
Comparing Characters
Chapters reputation Page 9 Chapters 29-33 Outline of Book 3 Quotation Task
29-33 aspirations Symbolism Cards

Chapters covert Page 10 Chapters 34-37 Summarizing 2 Sentence

34-37 defiant Text to Self – Text to Text Organizers
–
Text to World
Chapters dappled Page 11 Chapters 38-41 Figurative Language Sentence Task
38-41 cascading Characters Cards
Chapters quest Pages 12- Chapters 42-45 Character Interactions Dictionary Entry
42-45 anxiously 13 Symbolism ~ The Color Organizer
Red
Chapters accustomed Page 14 Chapters 46-48 Theme Dictionary Entry
46-48 negotiated Plot Development Task Cards

Chapters anticipated Page 15 Chapters 49-52 Character Change Homophone

49-52 access Comparing the Book to Organizer
the Movie
Vocabulary Homophone
Test Activity
 Vocabulary Review Chapters 1-3 [speculation & relish]
Read the two definitions of relish.
Match the correct vocabulary word from column two to its a. a great enjoyment of something
definition in column one by writing the letter associated b. a spicy topping used to flavor food
with the word in front of its definition.
Determine which definition is used in each of the sentences
below. Write a or b in the blank to show your answer.
1. ________ suggestions
a. relishing 1. ______ I would relish the chance to meet a movie
1.
star.

2. ________ unquestionable b. adhere 2. ______ I prefer a mustard relish on my hot dogs.

3. ________ secret, hidden 3. ______ This relish is made with chopped pickles.
c. indisputable
1.


4. ________ enjoying 4. Circle five words in the box that are synonyms or
d. repent closely related to the word speculation.
1.

fact truth
 5. ________ admission, entree e. implications
rumor hearsay

1. 6. ________ threatening, detail theory

f. covert
warning
supposing reality
1. 7. ________ follow, stick to g. anxiously
guesswork actuality


2. 8. ________ eagerly, excitedly h. access
Fill in the blank using either relish or speculation.

3. 9. ________ apologize i. ominous 5. The reason for Mr. Jones’s sudden disappearance was
met with much ____________________________.

Page 16 Page 1
Page | 7 Unit Created by Gay Miller
 Vocabulary Review Chapters 1-3 [speculation & relish]
Read the two definitions of relish.
Match the correct vocabulary word from column two to its a. a great enjoyment of something
definition in column one by writing the letter associated b. a spicy topping used to flavor food
with the word in front of its definition.
Determine which definition is used in each of the sentences
below. Write a or b in the blank to show your answer.
1. ____e____ suggestions
a. relishing
2.
1. ___a___ I would relish the chance to meet a movie
star.
2. ___c_____ unquestionable b. adhere
2. ___b ___ I prefer a mustard relish on my hot dogs.

3. ___f_____ secret, hidden 3. ___b ___ This relish is made with chopped pickles.
c. indisputable
2.

4. ___a_____ enjoying 4. Circle five words in the box that are synonyms or
d. repent
2. closely related to the word speculation.

fact truth
 5. ___h_____ admission, entree e. implications
rumor hearsay

2. 6. ___i_____ threatening, warning f. covert detail theory

supposing reality
4. 7. ___b_____ follow, stick to g. anxiously
guesswork actuality

5. 8. ___g_____ eagerly, excitedly h. access 

Fill in each blank using either relish or speculation.
5. The reason for Mr. Jones’s sudden disappearance
6. 9. ___d_____ apologize i. ominous was met with much ______speculation ______.

Page 16 Page 1

Page | 8 Unit Created by Gay Miller

The Tale of Despereaux ~ Chapters 1-3
1. Which word best describes the setting? 2. Which word best describes Despereaux?
a. fairy tale
b. mythical garden a. self-centered
c. futuristic civilization b. different
d. realistic everyday location c. unimaginative
d. glum
3. Read the end of Chapter 1. 4. Which best describes the tone of the story?
But, reader, he did live. This is his story.
a. friendly ~ The author tells the story as if it
This lets the reader know ---. were a bedtime story.
b. humorous ~ The author makes the story
a. The story is told in 1st person point of view funny with jokes.
from the perspective of Despereaux. c. unconcerned ~ The author tells the story
b. A narrator is telling the story. without any emotional feelings.
c. The story is told in 3rd person point of view d. angry ~ The author tells the story with
from the perspective of Despereaux. rage.
d. The story is going to be told from different
perspectives.
5. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2. 6. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2.
He did not think constantly of food. He was not Get your head out of the clouds and hunt for
intent on tracking down every crumb. While his crumbs.
larger, older siblings ate, Despereaux stood with
Which type of figurative language does this line
his head cocked to one side, holding very still.
contain?
The word intent most likely means ---.
a. simile
a. angry b. idiom
b. hungry c. repetition
c. uncertain d. alliteration
d. focused
Explain the meaning of this figurative phrase.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
7. Write a “someone wanted but so” statement 8. Read this passage from the end of Chapter 3.
to summarize a main event in Chapters 1-3.
Despereaux's siblings tried to educate him in the
ways of being a mouse. His brother Furlough
___________________________________
took him on a tour of the castle to demonstrate
___________________________________ the art of scurrying…”Move! You’re a mouse, not
a man.”
___________________________________
This passage is proof of which of the following
___________________________________ theme topics. Check all that apply.
___________________________________
___________________________________ _____ forgiveness _____ family

___________________________________ _____ lies _____ courage

_____ blame _____ uniqueness
_____ amazement ______ revenge

Page | 9 Unit Created by Gay Miller

Chapters 1-3 ~ Constructed Response - Setting

Location Where the Story Takes Place Time the Story Takes Place

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Importance of the Setting

Setting ___________________

Mood - Atmosphere of the Setting

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the
sequence of events
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on
specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or
drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

Page | 10 Unit Created by Gay Miller

The Tale of Despereaux ~ Chapters 1-3
1. Which word best describes the setting? 2. Which word best describes Despereaux?
a. fairy tale
b. mythical garden a. self-centered
c. futuristic civilization b. different
d. realistic everyday location c. unimaginative
d. glum
3. Read the end of Chapter 1. 4. Which best describes the tone of the story?
But, reader, he did live. This is his story.
a. friendly ~ The author tells the story as if it
This lets the reader know ---. were a bedtime story.
b. humorous ~ The author makes the story
a. The story is told in 1st person point of view funny with jokes.
from the perspective of Despereaux. c. unconcerned ~ The author tells the story
b. A narrator is telling the story. without any emotional feelings.
c. The story is told in 3rd person point of view d. angry ~ The author tells the story with
from the perspective of Despereaux. rage.
d. The story is going to be told from different
perspectives.
5. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2. 6. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2.
He did not think constantly of food. He was not Get your head out of the clouds and hunt for
intent on tracking down every crumb. While his crumbs.
larger, older siblings ate, Despereaux stood with
Which type of figurative language does this line
his head cocked to one side, holding very still.
contain?
The word intent most likely means ---.
a. simile
a. angry b. idiom
b. hungry c. repetition
c. uncertain d. alliteration
d. focused
Explain the meaning of this figurative phrase.
"Head in the clouds" means the person is not
paying much attention to what is happening
around them and has their attention on their
own thoughts, or their head is filled with
unrealistic ideas.
7. Write a “someone wanted but so” statement 8. Read this passage from the end of Chapter 3.
to summarize a main event in Chapters 1-3.
Despereaux's siblings tried to educate him in the
ways of being a mouse. His brother Furlough
Sample
took him on a tour of the castle to demonstrate
Merlot wants Despereaux to eat the book, but the art of scurrying…”Move! You’re a mouse, not
he discovers he understands the words, so he a man.”
reads the story about the brave knight and the This passage is proof of which of the following
beautiful princess. theme topics. Check all that apply.
_____ forgiveness _____ family
_____ lies _____ courage
_____ blame _____ uniqueness
_____ amazement ______ revenge

Page | 11 Unit Created by Gay Miller

Chapters 1-3 ~ Constructed Response - Setting

Location Where the Story Takes Place Time the Story Takes Place

The story takes place in a medieval castle. The castle is The story takes place in medieval times when kings and
described as having stained-glass windows and a library. queens ruled.

___________________
Setting
Importance of the Setting Mood - Atmosphere of the Setting
The setting sets the story up to be a fairy tale. moody, medieval tone

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the
sequence of events
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on
specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or
drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

Page | 12 Unit Created by Gay Miller

 Addendum
Constructed Response Questions without
Common Core State Standards

Important Update

Originally 46 states adopted the Common Core State Standards. Many teachers
have commented that they love having the standards on pages with constructed
response writing prompts for accountability reasons. Now educational trends are
changing. Many states have repealed Common Core and adopted their own state
standards. To meet the needs of teachers both using and not using Common Core
Standards, I have opted to provide the writing questions both with and without
standards.
To make creating a printable student packet easier, the comprehension and
constructed response questions are both included in this section.

Page | 13 Unit Created by Gay Miller

The Tale of Despereaux ~ Chapters 1-3

1. Which word best describes the setting? 2. Which word best describes Despereaux?
a. fairy tale
b. mythical garden a. self-centered
c. futuristic civilization b. different
d. realistic everyday location c. unimaginative
d. glum
3. Read the end of Chapter 1. 4. Which best describes the tone of the story?
But, reader, he did live. This is his story.
a. friendly ~ The author tells the story as if it
This lets the reader know ---. were a bedtime story.
b. humorous ~ The author makes the story
a. The story is told in 1st person point of view funny with jokes.
from the perspective of Despereaux. c. unconcerned ~ The author tells the story
b. A narrator is telling the story. without any emotional feelings.
c. The story is told in 3rd person point of view d. angry ~ The author tells the story with
from the perspective of Despereaux. rage.
d. The story is going to be told from different
perspectives.
5. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2. 6. Read this line from the end of Chapter 2.
He did not think constantly of food. He was not Get your head out of the clouds and hunt for
intent on tracking down every crumb. While his crumbs.
larger, older siblings ate, Despereaux stood with
Which type of figurative language does this line
his head cocked to one side, holding very still.
contain?
The word intent most likely means ---.
a. simile
a. angry b. idiom
b. hungry c. repetition
c. uncertain d. alliteration
d. focused
Explain the meaning of this figurative phrase.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
7. Write a “someone wanted but so” statement 8. Read this passage from the end of Chapter 3.
to summarize a main event in Chapters 1-3.
Despereaux's siblings tried to educate him in the
ways of being a mouse. His brother Furlough
_______________________________________
took him on a tour of the castle to demonstrate
_______________________________________ the art of scurrying…”Move! You’re a mouse, not
a man.”
_______________________________________
This passage is proof of which of the following
_______________________________________ theme topics. Check all that apply.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________ _____ forgiveness _____ family
_______________________________________ _____ lies _____ courage
_____ blame _____ uniqueness
_______________________________________
_____ amazement ______ revenge
_______________________________________

Page | 14 Unit Created by Gay Miller

Chapters 1-3 ~ Constructed Response - Setting
Location Where the Story Takes Place Time the Story Takes Place

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ___________________
Importance of the Setting Setting
Mood - Atmosphere of the Setting

______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

Page | 15 Unit Created by Gay Miller

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• This purchase includes a limited license for single
classroom use only. You may utilize it for each
student you serve.
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