Peter Pan and Wendy. Адаптированная книга PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2) - страница 5

While the children were playing, Mr. Darling stormed into the nursery. He was holding his tie and looking frustrated. «This tie won’t tie!» he shouted. «I’ve tied it around the bedpost twenty times, but it refuses to go around my neck!»

Mrs. Darling smiled calmly. «Let me try, dear.» She tied the tie perfectly, and Mr. Darling felt better. «Thank you,» he said, forgetting his anger. Soon he was laughing and playing with the children, carrying Michael on his back.

But the happy moment didn’t last. Nana accidentally bumped into Mr. Darling, and her fur got on his new trousers. «These are my first trousers with braid on them!» he said, trying not to cry.

«It’s all Nana’s fault,» he grumbled. «A dog shouldn’t be a nurse.»

«George,» Mrs. Darling replied gently, «Nana is wonderful with the children.»

But Mr. Darling didn’t listen. He decided Nana should sleep in the yard that night. He dragged her outside, even though the children cried and begged him to stop. Nana barked sadly, but she could not change his mind.

That night, after putting the children to bed, Mrs. Darling felt uneasy. She lit their nightlights and went to the window. Outside, the stars seemed to be watching the house. «I wish we weren’t going out tonight,» she whispered.

«Are we safe, Mother?» little Michael asked sleepily.

«Yes, darling,» she said softly. «The nightlights will keep you safe.»

She kissed each child and sang them to sleep. Michael hugged her tightly and said, «I’m glad you’re my mother.»

With these words, the Darlings left for the party. The stars twinkled above, curious about what might happen next. Little did they know, this was no ordinary night. Something magical – and dangerous – was about to begin.

1. What did Mrs. Darling see in the nursery, and how did Nana react?

2. What did Nana find, and why was it special?

3. Why didn’t Mrs. Darling hang the shadow by the window, and where did she put it instead?

4. Why was Mr. Darling upset, and how did Mrs. Darling help him?

5. Why did Mrs. Darling feel worried before the party, and what did Michael ask her?

Smart Glossary

When Mr. and Mrs. Darling left the house, the small nightlights near the children’s beds stayed on for a while. They were nice little lights, but soon they blinked, yawned, and went out.