Big Things Come in Small Packages Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Who gave Tucker the nickname 'Tugboat'?

Richard

Who was told people who'd passed came back to Calico Creek at night?

La Shana Mae

Who thrashed around in water screaming that he couldn't swim?

Mr. Nibbles

Who wasn't concerned about a 'wipeout,' and popped right up in the water?

Tucker Signup and view all the answers

Who could be seen in a picture in a book about the U.S. Coast Guard?

Richard Signup and view all the answers

Who was a hotshot baseball shortstop and could swim like a fish?

Tucker Signup and view all the answers

What had happened in the year 1900 that made Tucker wonder if he'd talked to a ghost?

Tucker found a book in the store and saw that Richard died in 1900. Signup and view all the answers

Why were Tucker and his folks flown to New York City?

Tucker and his folks were flown to NYC because he was a hero and saved Mr. Nibbles from drowning. Signup and view all the answers

In addition to Tucker, who else had seen Richard that day on the beach?

No one else saw Richard on the beach that day. Signup and view all the answers

Everybody liked him; nevertheless, why did kids tease Tucker?

Kids teased Tucker because he was short. Signup and view all the answers

List the events in the story that are part of the rising action.

That cloud meant a storm was probably on its way, but Tucker figured he had at least half an hour before the wind kicked up the waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the story?

But as Tucker passed, the man lunged at the surfboard, knocking Tucker off. Signup and view all the answers

What nickname did La Shana Mae have for Tucker?

La Shana Mae's nickname for Tucker is Tootsie Roll. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

Morehead City, North Carolina in the 1970s and present. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the narrator of the story?

The narrator is La Shana Mae. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Richard's statement that 'Tucker would make a good tugboat and one day might even grow to be a big ship.'?

Richard is reassuring Tucker that his size would not interfere with his ability to save someone's life at sea. Signup and view all the answers

What does terminal mean?

Terminal means the end of a transportation line. Signup and view all the answers

What does pier mean?

Pier means the platform over the water. Signup and view all the answers

What does disturbed mean?

Disturbed means bothered. Signup and view all the answers

What does qualifications mean?

Qualifications means abilities or accomplishments. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tucker's reward for saving Mr. Nibbles?

Tucker's reward for saving Mr. Nibbles was $100. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Nicknames

Tucker is nicknamed "Tugboat" by Richard.
La Shana Mae believes that deceased individuals return to Calico Creek at night.
Mr. Nibbles panicked in the water, shouting that he couldn't swim.
Tucker showed confidence after a "wipeout," quickly emerging from the water.
Richard appears in a picture featured in a book about the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tucker's Abilities and Background

Tucker excels as a baseball shortstop and is an excellent swimmer.
He discovers that Richard had died in 1900, which leads him to question whether he communicated with a ghost.
Tucker and his family were flown to New York City as a result of his heroic act in saving Mr. Nibbles from drowning.

Plot Developments

Only Tucker witnessed Richard's presence on the beach that day.
Kids teased Tucker for being short, despite their overall fondness for him.
A storm was anticipated, creating tension about the approaching weather while Tucker prepared to surf.

Key Story Elements

The climax occurs when a man seizes Tucker's surfboard, leading to a struggle.
La Shana Mae affectionately calls Tucker "Tootsie Roll."
The setting takes place in Morehead City, North Carolina, during the 1970s and in the present day.

Narrative Voice

La Shana Mae serves as the narrator of the story.

Themes and Symbolism

Richard's comment about Tucker being a good tugboat symbolizes hope and potential, reassuring Tucker that size doesn't determine capability. It emphasizes Tucker's strong desire to help others.
Terminal refers to the end of a transportation route, while pier signifies a platform extending over water.
Disturbed means to be bothered, highlighting emotional responses, while qualifications refers to skills and achievements.

Rewards and Outcomes

Tucker is rewarded with $100 for his bravery in saving Mr. Nibbles.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the characters and events from the book 'Big Things Come in Small Packages'. This study guide includes flashcards to help reinforce key details about the story. Perfect for students and fans of the novel!