The land of counterpane

Words: 101-200

Skills: Figurative Language Rhythm & Rhyme Theme

Grades: 1st 2nd 3rd

Topics: Realistic Fiction

Genres: Poetry

Lexile Range: —

Lexile Measure: —

CCSS: Reading: Literature

Themes: —

The Land of Counterpane

by Robert Louis Stevenson from A Child’s Garden of Verses

This poem is from “A Child’s Garden of Verses” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stevenson is also well-known for his classic novels “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped.” Students will read the poem and answer questions on the theme, the language, and the imagery.

Reading Comprehension Passage

The Land of Counterpane

by Robert Louis Stevenson from A Child’s Garden of Verses
A counterpane is a quilt or bedspread.

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When I was sick and lay a-bed,
I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay
To keep me happy all the day.

And sometimes for an hour or so
I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills,
Among the bed-clothes, through the hills;

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets
All up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out,
And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still
That sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain,
The pleasant land of counterpane.

Passage Only

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Reading Comprehension Questions

1. List two sets of rhyming words.



2. Are the soldiers, cities, trees, and houses in the poem real or imaginary?



3. Who is the giant in the poem?



4. What games do you play when you are sick and in bed?

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