Kenny and the Dragon Reading Questions
Preface - Before I Forget… pp.iv-vii
The story does not begin Once upon a time. It begins “Once upon a “ ___________.
With this introduction from the narrator, what are you expecting from the rest of the book?
What does Kenny like to do?
What are Kenny’s two favorite topics to read about?
Chapter I - That Devil Scourge pp. 1-6
What is Kenny’s family’s favorite food?
What is your favorite food?
Kenny’s mother tells him to “get your head out of the clouds.” Have you heard this saying before? What do you think she means?
Kenny’s father confuses the dragon with a __________________________
What is “that devil, that scourge”?
Chapter II - Dishes and Homework pp. 7-13
What does Kenny like to borrow when he visits his old friend, George?
What is a bestiary?
How is this similar to a dictionary?
What does Kenny use for armor when he goes off to find the dragon?
A _____________________ for a chest plate
A ____________________________________ for a shield
A ______________________ for a helmet
Are you like Kenny and would be in a hurry to find the dragon, or would you be hesitant and more wary like his mother?
Chapter III - Grahame Like the Cracker pp.14-28
When Kenny approaches the Dragon, at first he thinks it’s growling, but he discovers it is _______________________!
How is this dragon different from the one pictured in the bestiary?
Why does the dragon think Kenny has come to visit?
Drinking lava and eating firestones has given the dragon __________________.
What does the dragon like to write?
What is the dragon’s name?
How is Grahame different from what you expected?
Chapter IV - You’re All RIght in My Book pp.29-46
Kenny’s dad is afraid the dragon will eat his ________________.
Kenny’s mother says, “We are very delighted to meet you, Mr. Dragon. Thank you for not ________________________.
What do Kenny and Grahame enjoy doing together?
According to the newspaper headline about the dragon, “Extermination is Imminent”
Extermination - killing, especially a whole group of animals
Imminent - about to happen
Chapter V - The Least Bit Worried pp.47-55
What kind of feeling does Kenny get when the crowd looks to him for answers about the dragon?
Why isn’t George at the bookshop?
What was Grahame excited to see in the newspaper?
Is Grahame worried about the extermination threat?
Chapter VI - Kerfuffle Down in Roundbrook pp.56-67
How does Old Pops Possum describe the dragon?
George once told Kenny to “think before you act.” How is this a lesson Kenny can use to help Grahame?
Who turns out to be the kingdom’s number one dragon slayer?
What was your reaction to this news?
Chapter VII - Imminent Extermination pp.68-79
What does George call Kenny?
Should Kenny have stopped to tell George why he was so upset?
Kenny thinks, “What on earth am I going to do? Both of his best friends were to be pitted against each other in a battle to the death.” Have you ever felt in the middle where two friends were at opposite sides?
Chapter VIII - George Our Slayer pp. 80-93
What do people chant as they toast George in the tavern?
What does George want Kenny’s help with?
How do Kenny’s parents feel when they realize the town wants to kill Grahame?
Chapter IX - A Well-Willed Chap pp. 94-102
What is the nickname of the boy porcupine?
Who does Kenny’s mom invite over for dinner?
What does it mean when George says, “A friend of yours is a friend of mine..”
Do you think Grahame and George can learn to get along?
Chapter X - A Dragon and His Wrath pp. 103-110
Grahame says he will like anyone except who?
What do George and Grahame enjoy talking about?
Is the town excited for the fight between George and the dragon?
Chapter XI - Rolling Out a Purple Carpet pp.111-126
Why does Kenny want the towns people to think dragons hunt at night and are attracted to bright lights in the darkness?
Who comes to help with the plan to save Grahame?
According to the bestiary, what can you do with a dragon’s tale to render him harmless?
A mysterious character exchanges George’s sword for a what?
Who is tied to a tree?
Chapter XII - One Fierce Beast pp.127-138
What does George yell as he charges up the aisle toward Grahame?
Who fainted watching the battle begin?
Who steps forward to stop George from cutting off Grahame's head?
Who discovers this was all a trick and never really a battle?
Chapter XIII - Performance of a Lifetime pp.139-143
Who goes to stand between Grahame and Porky’s father?
Who claps and shouts for an encore?
Chapter XIV - A Favorable Outcome pp. 144-147
What kind of animal is the king?
Does the king come back to hurt Grahame?
The king asks Kenny to come to the palace and perform again. If you could perform any story with a group of friends, what story would you pick? Who would you be?
And so… pp.148-151
What job does Kenny have back in Roundbrook?
What is George doing instead of working in the bookshop?
End of Book
Grahame stays on the hill near Kenny’s house at the end of the novel. There is a sequel to Kenny and the Dragon called Kenny and Book of Beasts. From the title alone, what kind of adventures do you think Kenny and Grahame will encounter? What would you like to see them do?