The Adventures of Toto
About the Writer: Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most loved authors of children's literature. Born in 1934 in Kasauli, he has written several novels, essays, and short stories based on nature, animals, family, hills, and everyday life. His writing style is simple, humorous, and emotional. Some of his famous works include The Blue Umbrella, Rusty, the Boy from the Hills, and Roads to Mussoorie.
The Adventures of Toto – Story
The story is about a mischievous baby monkey named Toto bought by the narrator’s grandfather for five rupees from a tonga-driver. The monkey looked cute with bright eyes, white teeth, and a long tail that acted like a third hand.
Grandfather hid Toto in a closet because he knew Grandmother would not approve of a new pet. But Toto caused destruction in a few hours by tearing wallpaper and clothes. Soon, he was shifted to the servants' quarters, but there too he troubled other animals and did not let them sleep.
Grandfather had to travel to Saharanpur, so he carried Toto in a canvas bag. On the railway station, Toto suddenly popped his head out of the bag and frightened the ticket collector. The ticket collector insisted that Toto was a dog and charged three rupees as fare.
When Toto was finally accepted by Grandmother, he began living in the stable with Nana, the donkey. However, Toto troubled Nana too. Toto loved taking baths and often copied humans. One day, he tried to bathe in hot water inside a kettle and almost boiled himself.
Toto became a big nuisance. He destroyed clothes, dishes, curtains, and furniture. Finally, Grandfather returned him to the tonga-driver for only three rupees. The family realised Toto was too mischievous and expensive to keep.
Theme of the Story
- Humour and Fun
- Animal Behaviour
- Challenges of Keeping Wild Animals as Pets
- Family Love and Compassion
Word Meanings
- Tonga-driver: Horse-cart driver
- Halters: Ropes placed around an animal's neck
- Mischief: Naughty or troublesome behaviour
- Quadruped: An animal with four legs
NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers
1. How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?
Grandfather bought Toto from a tonga-driver for five rupees and added him to his private zoo.
2. “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?
Toto had bright sparkling eyes full of mischief, white teeth, quick fingers, and a long tail that added to his good looks. This made him look pretty.
3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?
Grandfather took Toto to Saharanpur to prevent him from troubling other animals at home. He carried Toto in a canvas bag. The ticket collector called Toto a dog because he considered all animals as dogs for ticket purposes, so he charged fare for him.
4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
Toto tested bath water with his hand and entered step by step like a human. He learnt this by watching the narrator. He almost boiled himself alive by sitting inside a kettle of warm water that was heating on a fire.
5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?
Toto was too mischievous and caused damage to clothes, furniture, and household items, making it costly and difficult for the family to keep him.
Extra Questions for Exams
1. Describe Toto’s behaviour in the house.
Toto was naughty, destructive, and playful. He tore clothes, wallpaper, and stole food. His actions caused trouble and loss in the house.
2. Explain the railway station incident in brief.
At the railway station, Toto popped his head out of the bag and frightened the ticket collector. He declared Toto a dog and charged three rupees as fare.
3. What does the story teach us?
The story teaches that wild animals should live in nature and are difficult to keep as pets. It also highlights humor, kindness, and love for animals.
Short Summary in 50 Words
Toto, a mischievous baby monkey, creates chaos after being bought by the narrator’s grandfather. He damages clothes, utensils, and troubles family and animals. After several funny incidents, the family realises he is too troublesome and sells him back to the original owner.