In “A Real Surprise,” which phrase uses personification to show that the box of raisins is like a human? A There was a box of raisins whispering to him.

B He ran right over to the box of raisins.

C Beside the box was a note.

D He opened the box and ate a couple of raisins.

A Real Surprise

8Every year, during the last week of school, Kevin began a countdown. Each day that he crossed off on his calendar brought him closer to summer and closer to freedom. It was officially one month after school had ended, but Kevin began another countdown. This time it was the countdown to his birthday.

9Kevin had always wanted a puppy, and this birthday he was positive that his mom had bought him one. He heard her whispering about the Wags and Whiskers Pet Store a few weeks earlier, when she thought Kevin was asleep, but he acted like he had no idea. Sometimes he even pretended to search for his present in the closet and under the beds, even though he knew she wouldn’t hide a puppy there.

10The day before his birthday arrived. Kevin could barely contain his excitement. That night, he went to sleep dreaming of dog bones, wagging tails, and trips to the dog park. He wanted to start training his new puppy as soon as possible, and figured he would be out at the park, playing ball in no time. He even had the perfect name picked out, Chomper. The next morning, Kevin woke up extra early, leapt down from his bed, and ran into the kitchen where his mother was sitting.

11“Well, do you want to open your present or eat breakfast first?” his mom asked. Kevin’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “Are you kidding?” was his reply. “Well, I have a surprise for you,” his mom said. “It’s in the den.” Kevin ran so fast that he almost knocked her over. He got ready to give his new pooch a giant hug.

12His mom made him close his eyes as she brought out a cardboard box, punched with hundreds of holes. Kevin’s heart raced as he carefully lifted one side of the box and then the other. A fluffy little head with small, round eyes peered out at Kevin. That’s when he met Chomper for the first time. His new pet... hamster.

13Kevin tried to hide his disappointment. A few hours later, he was lying on the floor and watching Chomper drink from a water bottle in his cage. It was summer, and Kevin thought he’d be out at the park playing catch, but Chomper couldn’t go outside. Chomper couldn’t do much of anything.

14Kevin’s mom knocked on the door, but he didn’t answer. She came in and asked him what was wrong.

15“I wanted a puppy, Mom,” he said, almost crying. “Training a hamster to do tricks is impossible.” Kevin’s mom just nodded and gave him a hug.

16The next day, when Kevin woke up, there was a box of raisins whispering to him from his nightstand. Beside the box was a note that read, “Maybe these will help. Love, Mom.”

17At first, Kevin didn’t know what the note meant. He opened the box and ate a couple of raisins, but nothing happened to make him feel better. Kevin looked over at the hamster cage.

18“Can’t you do anything?” Kevin asked Chomper, but the hamster just ignored him. Kevin took the little rodent out of his cage, put him on the floor, and watched as he ran right over to the box of raisins. Suddenly, Kevin understood what his mom’s note meant.

19Kevin picked up Chomper and put him on the bed. Then, he held a raisin high over Chomper’s head. Chomper sniffed the air then stood up on his hind legs and reached for it. Kevin said, “Stand!” and gave him the raisin. Chomper dropped down and ate it quickly. Kevin picked up another raisin and held it over Chomper’s head again. “Stand,” Kevin said. And Chomper stood.

20Now Chomper can do all kinds of tricks. He can push a ball, roll over, and of course, he can stand. In fact, he’s the best hamster in the world, if you ask Kevin.

21Although he is getting a little fat from all the raisins.