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1. How does the story begin?

The story begins with Del Jordan's discussion of her Uncle Benny who, she is quick to point out, isn't really her uncle at all. His marriage has failed, and Del tries to fit this reality into her understanding of the world, an understanding that is caught somewhere in the crack between childhood and adolescence.

2. What does Del relate about fishing with her Uncle Benny and her brother, Owen?

Del recounts how they spend their days fishing along the Wawanash River, "helping" their Uncle Benny fish. The children's job is to catch the frogs that Benny needs. After fishing, Del, her brother and Benny return to Benny's house with the fish they have caught, trailed by Del's dog, Major.

3. What are some of the animals at Uncle Benny's house?

Del describes Benny's house, the pens in which he holds a variety of animals from a ferret to a red fox "whose leg had been torn in a trap." When the children spot the turtles Benny keeps in a makeshift pen near his house, Benny explains that he is going to make them into soup.

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