Words to know

parrot - talking bird 

fireplace - an area in a home for fires 

                                Characters

Matilda - a sweet child, main character

Matilda's dad - angry man who bullies Matilda 

Matilda's mom - a woman who only cares about her looks 

Matilda's brother - lazy teenager 

Matilda's dad came home after work with a dark look on his face. 

When he walked in the living room, Matilda was reading a book.

He looked at her and said, "Don't you ever stop reading!" in an angry voice. 

He grabbed the book out of her hands and said, "What is this trash?"

Matilda's dad did not like that comment. So he tore up the book. 

"Oh no!" said Matilda. "That was a library book."

"You will have to buy another one with your own money." 

Matilda was upset. But she didn't cry. Instead, she came up with a plan to get back her family. 

The next day Matilda went to Fred's house. 

"Can I borrow your parrot?"

"Uhh.. No."

"I will pay you." 

"Okay, but bring him back tomorrow."