Deep reading: test yourself and think
As you read the story, take the chapter quizzes to test your knowledge, comprehension and memory. Then think about or discuss the story in a deeper way.
Chapter 1: A week before Halloween
1. What does DOP stand for?
- A. Dumb old person.
- B. Deaf old person.
- C. Dead old person.
2. Why is the old woman eating cold beans?
- A. She likes them cold.
- B. She is worried about the cost of electricity.
- C. Her oven is broken.
3. What do the family mean when they say ‘Too stupid to know. Too smart to care.’
- A. If a person doesn’t know it’s happening, it’s ok to exploit them.
- B. Smart people can do whatever they like.
- C. Old people are stupid.
Think: What are your impressions of the boy? Of his parents? Do they like each other? Why? Why not?
What kind of family is this?
Chapter 2: Today is Halloween
4. Why does the doll make Dad happy?
- A. The doll has a beautiful smile.
- B. The doll will make him money.
- C. The doll is an antique.
5. Why does Mum think the doll is crying?
- A. The doll is sad.
- B. The doll is old.
- C. The doll is lonely.
6. Why does the boy allow his parents to keep things in his room?
- A. He loves his parents.
- B. He doesn't care.
- C. He wants money.
Think: Imagine sleeping in a room with a creepy object. What would it be? Why would it make you nervous?
Chapter 3. Creepy-Weepy junk
7. What does the boy use to check the doll hasn’t moved?
- A. A cloth over the doll’s head.
- B. The doll’s tiny red shoes.
- C. Two of his own hairs..
8. What was the movement?
- A. Nothing. He imagined it.
- B. A moth.
- C. A candle flame.
9. What does the narrator do with the moth?
- A. Leave it alone.
- B. Kill it.
- C. Put it out the window.
Think: When he dreams, he dreams of …’whirlpools and winds and dark trees whipping against rain.’ Why do you think the writer mentions what the boy dreams of?
Chapter 4. Just accept it
10. Why didn’t the boy open his eyes?
- A. He couldn’t move.
- B. They were already open.
- C. There was no light.
11. What did the boy that looked like him say?
- A. They were becoming friends.
- B. They hated each other.
- C. They didn’t care about each other.
12. Why did his porcelain head knock against the back window of the car?
- A. He was trying to escape.
- B. Because of the engine.
- C. He was scared.
Think: Describe what has happened when the boy wakes up.
How does the boy feel? Why? Refer to the text.
‘Just accept it.’ What does the boy mean by that? What has happened?
After reading
From which perspective (first person, third person or other) is this story written? How do you think this affects the story? Do you think it would be more or less scary if written from another perspective? Why?
Andy, the writer, starts off in the past tense and then switches to the present. Why do you think he did this?
In your opinion, what role does the lamp play?
The character’s attitude towards the doll is quite aggressive. Find quotes that show this. Why do you think he feels aggressive toward the doll?
Project: Tell a story
Work in small groups. The story ‘Creep Weepy’ has been made into a blockbuster horror movie and you are going to make the trailer.
Make a simple plan of the story – what happens?
What words do you think describe this horror story?
Plan out your trailer as a storyboard. What are you going to show? Remember, a trailer must be exciting – you want people to go to the cinema and see the movie. What effects are you going to use? Are you going to have a voiceover?
Now write your script. When you are happy, film your trailer. Present to the class as a movie or as a storyboard and script.
Pair work:
What do you think happens to the boy in his new life? Continue the story.
Sarah, the illustrator says...
I actually dreamed of this horrible doll while I was illustrating this story. It got to me. I like drawing but I prefer doing art about things that uplift or inspire me. I mean, drawing is always fun, but some projects are more fun than others.
Andy talks about writing the story (video coming)
Quiz Answers
- 1. A
- 2. B
- 3. A
- 4. B
- 5. C
- 6. C
- 7. C
- 8. B
- 9. B
- 10. A
- 11. A
- 12. B