📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 17: The Picnic Plans

Sunday afternoon was hot and sleepy in the little village of St. Petersburg. Tom wandered about restlessly. Now that Becky had forgiven him, his heart was light, but he still wanted more excitement.

The boys were gathered under the big elm tree near the church. They talked about fishing, swimming, and stealing apples. None of these things seemed very thrilling to Tom. His mind was already dreaming of something bigger.

Suddenly Joe Harper shouted, “Let’s have a picnic!”

The idea spread like wildfire. A picnic in the woods, with baskets of food, games, and maybe even a trip on the river—that was something to look forward to! The boys cheered, and the girls smiled with delight.

Becky was among them, and she looked at Tom with shining eyes. For the first time in days, they were happy together. They whispered excitedly about what to bring. Becky promised to bring cakes from her mother’s kitchen, while Tom promised to bring apples and sweets.

The children planned everything carefully. They would meet early in the morning, take a small boat across the river, and spend the whole day in the forest. Someone suggested bringing a fiddle for music. Someone else promised to bring lemonade. The plans grew larger and larger, and everyone laughed with joy.

But Tom’s fun did not last long. While he was running home to prepare, Aunt Polly stopped him. She looked serious and said, “Tom, you’ve been playing too much lately. I want you to stay home and do your lessons.”

Tom’s face fell. “But Aunt Polly, there’s going to be a picnic tomorrow!”

“Lessons first,” she said firmly. “Then play.”

Tom sighed heavily. He thought life was very unfair. Other children had kind mothers who never worried about lessons. Why must he always be punished?

That evening, Tom sat gloomily with his spelling book open. He stared at the words but did not see them. His mind was in the forest, hearing laughter and music. Becky’s face floated before him, smiling in the sunshine.

After some time, Aunt Polly’s heart softened. She saw Tom sitting so sadly by the window, and she remembered her own childhood. Finally, she said gently, “Perhaps you may go to the picnic, Tom. But only if you promise to work harder afterwards.”

Tom jumped up with joy. He kissed Aunt Polly on the cheek and promised faithfully. His sorrow vanished like smoke.

The next morning, the whole group of children met by the river. Their baskets were full of cakes, pies, fruit, and lemonade. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the little boat rocked gently in the water. Tom and Becky sat side by side, their quarrels forgotten. Adventure and laughter lay ahead.

It was the happiest day they had known in a long time.

---

📘 Glossary

• Restlessly – unable to stay still, full of energy or worry

• Elm tree – a large leafy tree common in villages

• Thrilling – very exciting

• Spread like wildfire – to become known or popular very quickly

• Fiddle – a violin, often used for folk music

• Firmly – in a strong, determined way

• Spelling book – a schoolbook for learning words and spelling

• Floated before him – appeared in his imagination

• Softened (heart) – became kinder and less strict

• Vanished like smoke – disappeared quickly and completely

---

❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Where were the boys sitting when they thought about what to do?

2. Who suggested the idea of having a picnic?

3. What did Becky promise to bring for the picnic?

4. What did Tom promise to bring?

5. How did Aunt Polly first react when Tom asked to go to the picnic?

6. Why did Tom feel life was unfair?

7. What was Tom supposed to be studying in the evening?

8. What made Aunt Polly change her mind?

9. What condition did Aunt Polly give Tom before letting him go?

10. How did Tom feel when he was finally allowed to go to the picnic?

---

✅ Answers

1. Under the big elm tree near the church.

2. Joe Harper.

3. Cakes from her mother’s kitchen.

4. Apples and sweets.

5. She told him he must stay home and study.

6. Because other children seemed free, while he always had to study.

7. His spelling book.

8. She saw Tom looking very sad and remembered her own childhood.

9. That he must work harder afterwards.

10. Overjoyed—his sadness disappeared at once.