An Endearing Mystery

Name

An Endearing Mystery
By Colleen Messina
I am a homonym that can
be spelled two ways, and I
have more than one
meaning. Spelled one way,
I can mean someone who is
loved or cherished. I am often the first word you use when you are
writing a letter. Then I am usually followed by the name of the person
who will get the letter. Spelled another way, I am a four-legged
animal that often lives in or near forests. If I am a male, I usually have
antlers. In one Christmas story, I was named Rudolph. I helped Santa
in bad weather. My red nose lit the way so Santa could deliver
presents. If Santa wrote Rudolph a thank you note for his help on
Christmas Eve, Santa might write a note like this. See if you can fill in
the following blanks:
_____ Rudolph,

Questions
1. What usually follows this word if it is used when writing a
letter?
A. a person's name
B. an animal's name
C. a silly word
D. none of the above
2. What do these male animals usually have?
A. hooves
B. shiny noses
C. antlers
D. none of the above
3. Rudolph was real.
A. false
B. true
4. Which words fill in the blanks in the sentences in this
paragraph?

You saved us all on Christmas night,

Because your nose is red and bright.
Most rein____ do not have a nose
That shines so red and always glows.
I am very glad your nose does gleam
And that you are on my Christmas team!
Ho, ho, ho,
Santa

Would you rather write a letter or get one? Why?

Who is your favorite fictional animal character and why?

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