A Pet

That Fits
by Pauline Cartwright
illustrated by Richard Hoit

Copyright by Harcourt, Inc.

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ISBN 10: 0-15-351411-6

ISBN 13: 978-0-15-351411-1

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ISBN 10: 0-15-351212-1 (Grade 2 Advanced Collection)
ISBN 13: 978-0-15-351212-4 (Grade 2 Advanced Collection)
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ISBN 13: 978-0-15-358046-8 (package of 5)

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 Every day, Grace and Ella brushed
Toffees coat together. They fed him
special food, like oats and beets. They
took extra special care of Toffee.

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 When Ella returned home, she missed
Toffee very much. Can I have a pony? Ella
asked her parents.
We cant keep a pony in our apartment,
Dad said. A pony needs lots of space.
A pony has to run every day, and it
needs fresh air and sunshine, said Mom.
Ella was sad that she couldnt have
a pony.

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 That afternoon, they took the bus to
the biggest pet store in town.
What adorable puppies! said Ella.
Our apartment is too small for a dog,
said Mom firmly.

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 There were so many animals that Ella
didnt know which pet to choose. She
needed a small pet, but which animal
would be best? It was hard to decide.

10

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 Then Ella spied a bright yellow canary.
He started his song again, and Ella thought
he was singing just for her. It was the most
beautiful sound she had ever heard. Finally,
Ella knew which pet she wanted.

12

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 Ella carried the canary home in a new
cage, and the other children on the bus
stared. Ella was pleased with her pet.
Im going to call him Sunny because
hes yellow like the sun, said Ella happily.

13

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 At home, Dad hung Sunnys cage up
in the living room. Sunny sang loudly.
Listen to him sing! said Mom.
I think Sunny will fit in just fine!
said Ella.

14

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 Think Critically
1. Why did Ella feel sad at the beginning of the story?
2. What happened in the middle of the story?
3. Why did Ella name her canary Sunny?
4. Why did Ella get a bird for a pet?
5. Do you think a canary is a good pet for an
apartment? Why or why not?

Social Studies
Make a Char t Make a chart with the heads In the Country and
In the City. Write three animals that would be better kept in the
country and three animals that would do well in the city.

School-Home Connection Tell a family member

about the story. Then talk about animals that could be
kept as pets in your home.

Word Count: 404

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