It had been raining for f or days, and the Bears were tired of being stuck s tuck inside. Finally Fi nally,, the sun came out, so Mom suggested going on a picnic. “Please can Alvin come com e along?” asked Bertie, “he’ “he’ss a good g ood friend.” “Yes,” answered Dad. “I’ll call his mom and ask if it’s okay.” 3
When Alvin arrived, the Bears loaded the car and headed for their favorite picnic area. On the way, way, they stopped to buy some juice.
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BEAR 1
“I like mango juice,” said Bertie. “I like apple juice,” j uice,” said Wendy. Wendy. “I’ll get both,” said Mom, and soon they were on their way again. 5
After a while, they came to a police car and a big “STOP” “ STOP” sign. “The road is still wet and slippery sl ippery for the next eight miles,” mi les,” said the police officer. “Please drive slowly so you don’t have an accident.”
S T T O P B EAR 1
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Dad drove very slowly to the picnic area. When they t hey arrived, Bertie and Alvin went to play pl ay ball. Mom and Dad got the picnic ready, and Wendy Wendy ran after a fter the boys and asked whether she could play play,, too. 7
“You are too little,” said Bertie. “You Bert ie. “I’m good at catching,” stated Wendy, hoping to play. “Prove it!” said sai d Alvin meanly m eanly..
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Alvin threw the ball over Wendy’ endy’ss head, hea d, and Bertie caught c aught it. i t. “That wasn’t was n’t nice!” said sai d Wendy Wendy angrily to Alvin. Dad saw Wendy looking loo king glum and called her to come and eat. 9
Wendy still wanted to play, but she already knew the th e answer answ er.. She silently ate with Mom and Dad while the boys continued playing. It was hard being a younger sister sister..
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“Look out!” cried Bertie as Wendy leaped le aped up and a nd caught the ball. “You saved our lunch, Wendy!” said Dad. “That was great timing!” “Fantastic catch!” called Alvin.
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“I told you I was a good catcher catc her,” ,” Wendy called back proudly. Bertie grinned at Alvin and said, “Wendy is better than you!” 13
Think Critically 1. Why did the police officer ask Dad to drive slowly? 2. If you were Wendy Wendy,, how would you have have felt felt when Alvin threw the ball over your head? 3. How can you tell that Dad knew knew what was was going on during the ball game? 4 . How did Wendy’ Wendy’s s feelings feelings about Bertie and Alvin change during the story? How can you tell? 5. When you’ve you’ve been stuck inside because of rain, what is something you like to do when the sun comes out? Language Langu age Ar ts Write a Recount Write a paragraph about a time you went somewhere special with your family. Draw a picture to match.
School-Home Connec Connection tion Tell someone at home what happened to Wendy in the story. Make a list of places you would like to visit as a family.
Word Count: 37 372 2
