Moments - Class IX
Reprint 2025-26
This story takes us into the world of animals and their relationship with humans. It's a humorous tale by Ruskin Bond about a mischievous monkey named Toto and his adventures with the narrator's grandfather, who has a private zoo at home.
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore Ruskin Bond's storytelling through the eyes of the narrator, who witnesses the amusing and sometimes destructive antics of Toto the monkey, and the challenges of keeping such a wild and intelligent creature as a pet.
Have you ever had a pet or wanted to have one? What kind of animal would you like to have as a pet?
The story we're about to read is about a monkey named Toto who becomes a pet. Monkeys are known to be mischievous and intelligent animals. Let's think about what makes them fascinating but also challenging as pets.
Think about these questions and share your thoughts:
1. What qualities make an animal a good pet?
2. Why do you think keeping wild animals as pets might be problematic?
3. Have you ever observed monkeys? What behaviors did you notice?
In this story, Ruskin Bond uses many descriptive words to paint a picture of Toto's appearance and behavior.
Match the words from the story to their correct descriptions:
1. Toto's fingers were quick and , always getting into trouble.
2. The story describes Toto as , which means he was always causing trouble playfully.
3. Toto would test the water temperature before taking his bath.
4. His hands looked as though they had been pickled in the sun for many years.
5. Toto's bright eyes sparkled beneath eyebrows.
Different animals have different characteristics. In the story, we see how Toto's behavior is very different from the other animals in Grandfather's private zoo.
1. Monkey:
2. Donkey:
3. Tortoise:
4. Rabbit:
5. Squirrel: