Discussion/Essay Questions:

Originally titled: The Load of Unicorn

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

1. Why was Matthew so angry that John Goodrich apprenticed Bendy to William Caxton? What is the significance of a scrivener's son being apprenticed to a printer?

2. Peterkin and Humphrey are two boys in the story who are about Bendy's age. Why does Bendy treat them so differently?

3. What stories did Bendy acquire from a schoolmate? Why did he keep them a secret? What adventures did these stories get him involved in? Explain why Bendy has such an interest in the author, not just the stories.

4. Who was Tom Twist? What part did he play in the mystery of the missing paper?

5. Why was the old woman in the forest so concerned with cutting down her rose tree?