This printable worksheet guides 1st and 2nd graders through the story of Esther becoming queen with reading passages and comprehension questions.

Here are the answers to the questions on your worksheet based on the story of Esther.

Read aloud Esther 2:1-4
* What was Mordecai’s idea?
His idea was to gather beautiful young virgins from all over the kingdom to the palace in Susa so the king could choose a new queen to replace Vashti.

Read aloud Esther 2:5-7
* Who was Mordecai?
He was a Jew living in Susa, from the tribe of Benjamin.
* What do we know about his family and where he lived?
He was the cousin (or uncle) of Hadassah (Esther). They lived in Susa, the capital city.
* How was Esther related to Mordecai?
She was his cousin (the daughter of his uncle).
* What had happened to Esther’s mother and father?
They had died, so Mordecai had adopted her and raised her as his own daughter.
* Was she beautiful?
Yes, the text says she was lovely in form and features.

Read aloud Esther 2:8-9
* Why did Esther go to the King’s palace?
She was taken there because she was one of the beautiful girls gathered for the king to choose from.
* What special treatment did Esther receive at the palace?
She pleased Hegai, the man in charge of the women, so he quickly gave her beauty treatments, special food, and seven maids to help her. He also moved her to the best place in the harem.

Read aloud Esther 2:10-11.
* Why didn’t Esther tell anyone that she was a Jew? Who might be the reason she didn’t tell them?
She likely didn't tell them to stay safe or follow instructions. The person who might be the reason is Mordecai, because the text says she "did not reveal her people or kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to make it known."
* Why do you think Mordecai walked back and forth near the court every day, so he might learn how Esther fared?
He was worried about her and wanted to make sure she was safe and being treated well since she was like a daughter to him.

Read aloud Esther 2:12-18.
* The King liked Esther! What became the new Queen. They had a banquet, which is this party called?
It was called the "feast of Esther."
* Why would you find it very much pleasurable to be a Queen or King?
*(Note: This is an opinion question, but here is a common answer)* You would have a huge palace, servants to do everything for you, the best food and clothes, and everyone in the land would listen to you.
* Do you think the other girls were upset if Esther was chosen instead of them? Why or why not?
*(Note: This is an opinion question)* Yes, they were probably upset or jealous because they wanted to be Queen too, and they had spent a whole year preparing just like Esther did.
* What do you think about what God might have planned for her recently?
*(Note: This is an opinion/faith question)* God might have planned for her to become Queen so that later on, she could save her people (the Jews) from danger.

Introductory key verse:
* Why do you think these verses might have comforted Mordecai?
These verses say that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope. Even though Mordecai was an exile and things looked uncertain, knowing that God had a good future plan for him and his people would give him peace and courage.
* How could this verse help you when you are worried?
It helps me remember that I don't need to be afraid of the future because God is in control and He wants good things for me, not harm.

Final Answer:
See the detailed responses above for each section of the worksheet.