The Moral of the Story Recording Sheet

1. Write a definition for the word “moral” (as related to children’s literature).

2. Write a definition for the word “moral” (as related to standards of living).

3. Using the graphic of “the baby” below, record any principles Horton lived by on the features of “the baby” that came from Horton (example: trunk) and record the principles of the bird on any features that came from the bird (example: wings).

4a. What were Horton’s opportunity costs (what he gave up in order to keep his promise) for staying on the egg?

4b. How did he benefit?

5. Why was Horton willing to sacrifice his own interest in order to save the egg?

6. Did any of the characters exhibit philanthropic actions? Explain your answer.

7. Compare the events of the story to things that happen in real life situations.

8. How might the baby’s upbringing be different with Horton as the caregiver rather than Mayzie?