Suggested Questions:

1. Look at the illustration. What seems unusual about this scene at the Capitol?
2. Simon wants to climb the steps of the Capitol building. Do you think he has seen all the animals that are standing nearby?
3. Why do you think there are so many different animals near the Capitol building?
4. Simon has now lost all of his belongings. How does he seem to feel about this? How does Adèle feel about this? What clues does the text give about the children’s feelings?
5. Do you think Simon will ever see his belongings again? Why or why not?