The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark — Reading Guide

Before You Read

• Are you ever afraid of the dark? What is it that feels frightening?
• What do you think of when someone says ‘owl’? What do you already know about owls?
• The title tells you Plop is afraid of the dark. What do you think might help him?

While You Read

• Why does Plop’s mother send him to ask other people about the dark rather than just telling him herself?
• Which of the six descriptions of dark do you find most convincing? Why?
• How does Plop feel before each new encounter — and how does he feel afterwards?
• Is there a pattern in the six descriptions? Do they seem to build towards something?

After You Finish

• Plop's fear changed not because he was forced to but because he learned. Can you think of a time when learning more about something changed how you felt about it?
• Which of the six people do you think helped Plop the most?
• How is Plop different at the end of the story? What has changed in him?
• If you were Plop, which word would you choose to describe the dark after your six encounters?

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