Free printable reading comprehension stories all about animals. Print the reading passage for offline use or test comprehension with the fun online quiz game. Recommended level: 2nd or 3rd Grade and up
How Pussy Willows Came to Be
A Legend from Poland
A long time ago, a mother cat was crying at the bank of the river. Her kittens were drowning. They were chasing butterflies and fell into the river.
The willow trees along the river wanted to help. They swept their long branches into the water. The kittens grabbed the branches and were carried to the shore.
Each spring since then, the willow branches grow tiny furry buds at their tips where the kittens held on.
Where did this legend come from? China Mexico Poland Poland
What kind of trees were by the river? birch trees pine trees willows willows
Who saved the kittens? a little boy the mother cat the willow trees the willow trees
Why was the mother cat crying? She couldn't find a way to cross the river. Her kittens were drowning. A fox grabbed her kittens. Her kittens were drowning.
How were the kittens saved? A boy used a fishing net. They grabbed willow branches. It doesn't say in the story. They grabbed willow branches.
Why were the kittens in the river? They fell in while chasing butterflies. They wanted to swim to the other side. They wanted to eat the fish. They fell in while chasing butterflies.
According to this legend, why do pussy willows have tiny furry buds? The buds are like cats noses. The buds are where the kittens hung on. so that kittens will play with them The buds are where the kittens hung on.
