Characters

Narrator Mom

Dad Anna

Peter Kate

Setting: The living room of the

family’s house
3
 Narrator: The family is happy because
Dad has just come back from his work
trip. Mom, Anna, Peter, and Kate want
to know what’s in the packages that
are on the table.
Mom: Your father always brings you
special treats!
Peter: We know. He’s a great dad!

Dad: I have something for Mom, too.

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 Anna: Please may we open the presents
right now?
Mom: Who left that door open again? I
always have to tell you children to shut
the door. Anna, please shut it this time.
Then we’ll see about the presents.
5

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 Dad: Mom, I think you’re going to enjoy
your present.
Anna: I closed the door. Please may we
open the presents now?
Dad: You may open them in a minute.
First, who can answer this question?
What’s in this package for Mom?
Narrator: Dad holds up the package.
Kate has a guess.

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 Kate: It’s ice cream! It’s ice cream!

Peter: It’s not ice cream, Kate.

Anna: It’s something Mom can wear.

Dad: No, guess again.

7

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Kate: It’s ice cream! It’s ice cream!

Dad: It’s not ice cream, Kate.

Anna: May I hold it?

8
 Narrator: Dad gives Anna the package.

Anna: It’s very heavy.

Mom: I can’t imagine what it could be.

Does it smell?
Narrator: Mom sniffs the package.

Mom: I thought it might be those special

soaps I use, but there’s no soap smell.

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Kate: May I hold it?

Narrator: Mom helps Kate hold the

package.
Kate: It’s a big ice cream!

All: It’s not ice cream!

10
 Peter: Maybe it’s a picture or something
for the kitchen.
Mom: I’d better open it.

Narrator: Mom opens her present.

Everyone is surprised. It’s a doormat.
Mom: Well, I didn’t expect this.
11

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 Narrator: Dad takes the mat and puts it
by the door.
Dad: Are you ready? Watch and listen.
Walk over the mat, Peter.
Narrator: Peter walks over the mat.
A voice says, “Please shut the door.”

12

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Peter: It’s a talking mat!

Kate: It’s not ice cream!

Narrator: Everyone laughs. They all take

turns walking through the door.
Mom: What an especially useful
present. I’ll never have to ask anyone
to shut the door again!
13
Anna: Please may we open our presents
now, Dad?
Dad: Yes, you may, but only after you
shut the door!

14
 Think Critically
1. What was Mom always telling someone to do?
2. Is this book about real or made-up people and
events? Why?

3. Which character was thoughtful? How can you tell?

4. Why do you think the author wrote the story?
5. How did you feel when you found out Mom’s
present was a doormat? Why?

Science
Write Questions In the book, the family asked Dad questions
to find out what Mom’s present could be. Write five questions that
you would have asked to help you find out what the present was.

School-Home Connection Tell family members about

the story. Then talk about other presents you think Mom
would have liked.

Word Count: 396

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