This episode introduces three idioms that use the word straw. Listen to the examples to hear how to use them. Please send me a message if you would like a copy of the audio script.

Idiom Corner

Straw

Hi and welcome back to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien.
Illustrations by Justin Todd. Read by me, Teacher Alyse.

📖 Chapter 14: The Marketplace

Before I begin reading, here’s a quick summary of the chapter:

Mrs. Frisby is shocked to learn that her late husband, Jonathan, was part of the rats’ secret past. Nicodemus explains that Jonathan had a good reason for keeping the truth from her, but he never had the chance to share it before he passed. As they talk, Nicodemus suggests moving to a quieter location so he can tell her the full story of the rats’ origins.
He leads Mrs. Frisby to his office, a comfortable and well-furnished space, where she notices a radio playing music. This sparks a memory of something Jonathan once mentioned, and she is fascinated by the sound. Nicodemus then begins to recount the history of the rats, starting at a marketplace near a big city where he and many other rats once lived.
The marketplace provided plenty of food, making life easy for the rats. Nicodemus and his friends, including his intelligent companion Jenner, often explored the area, gathering food and playing. One evening, while searching for food, Nicodemus and the other rats were suddenly caught in a trap. Bright lights flashed, and men in white uniforms appeared, capturing many of them with nets. Nicodemus himself was ensnared, signaling the beginning of a life-changing event for the captured rats.

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Need help with vocabulary? You can find definitions and audio for chapters 6–14 here:
https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH 

Chapter 14 The Marketplace

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien Illustrations by Justin Todd
Chapter 13 A Powder for Dragon
How will the rats or Mrs. Frisby move her house with Dragon on the loose?

Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for chapters 6-14. https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367

Chapter 13 A Powder for Dragon

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Isabella Chapter 12
In this chapter Mrs Frisby learns a bit about the rats from a child named Isabella. 

Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for chapters 5-10. https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367

Isabella Chapter 12

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
In The Library Chapter 11
In this chapter Mrs Frisby meets Nicodemus and sees electricity.

Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for chapters 5-10. https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367

Chapter 11 In The Library

Brutus Chapter 10
In this chapter Mrs Frisby meets Brutus who turns her away. As she is leaving she runs into Mr. Ages who takes her to the entrance where she meets Justin.

Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for chapters 5-10. https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367

Chapter 10 Brutus

In this chapter Timothy talks with his mother about moving day and tells her he is not afraid to die.
Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914

**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for chapters 5-10. https://teach.italki.com/vocabulary/927367

Chapter 9 In the Rosebush

In this chapter the owl tells Mrs Frisby to talk to the rats. They may be able to move her home. 
Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. 
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for this book are located under my vocabulary sets**

Chapter 8 Go to the Rats

Mrs. Frisby takes a journey to see the owl. 
Listen and follow along.
Send me a message for your free pdf copy of this book. 
**Vocabulary with definitions and audio for this book are located under my vocabulary sets**
