NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet) Chapter 9: The Book That Saved the Earth

Complete solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 9 – “The Book That Saved the Earth” by Claire Boiko: an original summary, theme, word meanings and every textbook exercise (Read and Find Out, Think about it, Talk about it) answered in full. The questions are reproduced exactly as in the NCERT book; the summary and all answers are written originally and are exam-ready.

Class: 10 Subject: English Book: Footprints Without Feet Type: Play (Supplementary Reader) Author: Claire Boiko Session: 2026–27
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About the author

Claire Boiko was an American playwright well known for her short, lively plays written especially for young people and for school and amateur performances. Her writing is marked by gentle humour, imaginative situations and easy, performable dialogue. “The Book That Saved the Earth” is a science-fiction comedy set four centuries in the future. Through a make-believe Martian invasion, Boiko playfully celebrates the lasting power and value of books, reminding readers that knowledge and reading can be humanity’s greatest strength.

Summary

The play opens in the twenty-fifth century in a Museum of Ancient History, where a Historian introduces the audience to the twentieth century, which she calls the “Era of the Book.” She tells how, in the year 2040, a single ordinary book once saved the Earth from a Martian invasion, and switches on a “historiscope” to show what happened.

On Mars, the vain and self-important ruler Great and Mighty Think-Tank plans to conquer Earth before lunch. His humble assistant, Apprentice Noodle, contacts the Martian space probe, whose crew – Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota and Sergeant Oop – has landed inside a public library in Centerville. The Martians have never seen books and cannot guess what they are.

Think-Tank confidently makes one wrong guess after another. He first declares the books are sandwiches and orders Oop to eat one; then he says they are for ear communication and makes the crew listen to them. Each time, the modest Noodle politely hints at the correct idea, and the proud Think-Tank takes the credit. Finally Omega opens a large book of Mother Goose nursery rhymes, and reads the verses aloud.

Think-Tank badly misinterprets the simple rhymes as coded threats. “Mistress Mary” convinces him that Earthlings can grow explosives, “Hey diddle diddle” that their animals have musical and space skills, and the picture of Humpty Dumpty – which looks just like his own balloon-shaped head – terrifies him into believing the Earthlings are about to capture Mars. In a panic, he cancels the invasion and orders the entire Martian planet to evacuate to Alpha Centauri. The Historian ends by explaining that, centuries later, the wise Noodle replaced Think-Tank, the two planets became friends, and Martians learned to read – though they still cannot bear to read Mother Goose.

Theme & message

The play’s central message is the power and importance of books and reading: an ordinary book of nursery rhymes saves the whole planet. It also satirises arrogance and false pride through Think-Tank, whose foolish, self-assured guesses are contrasted with the quiet good sense of the humble Noodle. The play gently reminds us that true intelligence lies in humility and knowledge, not in titles or self-praise, and that misunderstanding things we do not know can lead to comical – and sometimes useful – results.

Word meanings

WordEnglish meaning
easela wooden frame used to support a board or a picture
curiositiesstrange or interesting objects
encyclopediaa book giving information on many subjects
tomea large, heavy book
peevishlyirritably; in a bad-tempered way
salutationa greeting or words of respect
insignificantunimportant; of little value
card cataloguea filing system listing a library’s books
haberdasherya shop selling small articles of clothing and dress
refreshment standa small stall selling food and drinks
staplea main or basic food
rifflingquickly turning over the pages of a book
barna covered building for storing hay or grain
squigglesscrawls; wavy, illegible markings
decipherto work out the meaning of something puzzling
transcribeto write out or read aloud in full form
levitylack of seriousness; light-hearted behaviour
civilisationan advanced, organised human society
evacuateto leave or empty a place for safety
historiscope(invented) a device that shows past events

Read and Find Out

These questions appear within the scenes of the play in the NCERT textbook.

Scene 1• Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?

ANSWERThe twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the Book’ because in those days there were books on every subject – “from ant eaters to Zulus.” Books taught people how, when, where and why to do things; they illustrated, educated, punctuated and even decorated. Reading and books played a central part in people’s lives, which is why the age was named after the book.

• Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?

ANSWERThe Martians tried to invade the Earth. The invasion was planned in the year 2040 by their ruler, the Great and Mighty Think-Tank, who sent a space probe crewed by Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota and Sergeant Oop. However, the invasion never actually took place because a single book of nursery rhymes frightened Think-Tank into calling it off.

Scene 2• What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?

ANSWERThink-Tank makes three completely wrong guesses about the books. First, he declares that the books are sandwiches – the main staple of the Earthlings’ diet – and orders the crew to eat one. Next, he decides the books are for ear communication (some kind of sound device) and makes the Martians hold them to their ears and listen. Finally, prompted by Noodle, he says they are for eye communication and that they contain an important code which must be broken – though he then misreads the nursery rhymes inside as dangerous secret messages.

Think about it

1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?

ANSWERNoodle is very tactful and diplomatic. He never contradicts Think-Tank openly, because that would offend his proud master. Instead, he begins very humbly – calling him “your Brilliance,” “your Cleverness” – and pretends that the correct idea is only a “cloudy” or “trifling bit of data” that has “floated” or “twirled” into his mind. He gently offers the right information (that Earthlings did not eat the sandwiches but watched them) and lets Think-Tank take all the credit by “clarifying” it. In this clever, respectful way Noodle quietly corrects every mistake without ever wounding Think-Tank’s ego.

2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?

ANSWERIn Noodle’s place I would behave much as he does – politely and patiently. Since Think-Tank is the all-powerful ruler and cannot bear to be told he is wrong, openly arguing would be unwise and even dangerous. I would offer the correct facts gently, in the form of a humble suggestion or a “small thought,” and let him feel that the right idea was his own. Handling a proud, short-tempered superior with tact, respect and patience – rather than blunt criticism – is the safest and most effective way to set things right. (Answer in your own words.)

3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?

ANSWERIt is true that electronic media – computers, tablets, e-books, the internet and audio-books – are now widely used and have taken over many of the roles once played by printed books. They are quick, easy to carry and can store huge amounts of information. However, books cannot be done away with altogether. Printed books need no electricity, battery or internet; they are easy on the eyes, can be read anywhere, and give a special pleasure of touch and ownership. Many people still prefer the feel of a real book, and books remain a reliable, lasting record of knowledge. So electronic media may reduce the use of books, but it cannot fully replace them. (Express your own view.)

4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.

ANSWERBooks are called a man’s best companion because they are always there for us – they never complain, never tire and never desert us. A good book entertains us when we are bored, comforts us when we are sad, advises us in difficulty and adds to our knowledge and imagination. Unlike many human friends, books are loyal and ever-faithful, giving without expecting anything in return.Sample paragraph: My favourite book is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I like it because it is the true diary of a young girl who, even while hiding from danger, never lost hope or her love of life. Her honest, brave and cheerful writing teaches me courage, patience and the value of freedom. Whenever I feel low, this book reminds me to stay positive. (Write about your own favourite book in a similar way.)

Talk about it

1. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?

ANSWERThink-Tank treats three harmless nursery rhymes as dangerous coded threats. From “Mistress Mary, quite contrary” he concludes that Earthlings have learned to combine agriculture and mining and can grow crops of silver and even high explosives. From “Hey diddle diddle” he decides that Earthlings have reached such a high civilisation that they have taught their domesticated animals music and space techniques, and may attack with millions of cows. Finally, the picture of Humpty Dumpty looks exactly like his own balloon-shaped head; the line “had a great fall” convinces him that the Earthlings know him and plan to capture Mars, so he flees in panic.Personal example (sample): Once a friend did not reply to my messages for two days, and I thought she was angry with me. Later I learned she had simply lost her phone. We talked it over, laughed about it, and the misunderstanding was cleared. Such misunderstandings are best resolved through calm, honest conversation. (Share your own incident.)

2. The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?

ANSWERNo, English is most probably not the real language of the aliens. The playwright has made the Martians speak English only so that the audience and readers – who speak English – can follow and enjoy the play; it is a convenient device, not a fact. Being beings from another planet, the Martians would almost certainly have their own, very different way of communicating – perhaps a special alien language, or communication through signs, sounds, beeps, electronic signals or even thought waves and telepathy. (Use your imagination and discuss freely.)

Extra questions

Short answer (30–40 words)

1. Where and when is the opening scene of the play set?

ANSWERThe opening scene is set in the twenty-fifth century, in the Museum of Ancient History (the Department of the Twentieth Century) on Planet Earth, where a Historian introduces the audience to the ‘Era of the Book.’

2. Why does Think-Tank order Sergeant Oop to eat the book?

ANSWERThink-Tank wrongly believes the book is a sandwich – the staple food of Earthlings. To “confirm” his opinion, he orders the crew to eat it, and the unwilling Oop is finally made to take a bite for the glory of Mars.

3. How does the rhyme about Humpty Dumpty frighten Think-Tank?

ANSWERThe picture of Humpty Dumpty looks exactly like Think-Tank’s own balloon-shaped head. The line “had a great fall” makes him believe the Earthlings recognise him and plan to capture Mars and overthrow him, so he panics and flees.

4. What does Think-Tank conclude from the rhyme “Hey diddle diddle”?

ANSWERHe concludes that the Earthlings have reached a very high level of civilisation – that they have taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques, and may launch an interplanetary attack with millions of cows.

5. How, according to the Historian, did the story finally end for Mars and Earth?

ANSWERFive hundred years later, Earth and Mars resumed contact and became friendly. The wise Noodle replaced Think-Tank, Earthlings taught the Martians to read and set up a library on Mars – though the Martians still cannot bear to read Mother Goose.

Long answer (100–120 words)

6. “The Book That Saved the Earth” highlights the importance of books. Discuss with reference to the play.

ANSWERThe very title of the play stresses the value of books, for it is an ordinary book that saves the entire Earth from invasion. The twentieth century is fondly called the ‘Era of the Book’ because books then taught people everything and shaped their lives. In the play, the Martians, who have never seen a book, are completely baffled by one, mistaking it for food and a sound device – showing how lost a civilisation is without reading. Ironically, a humble book of Mother Goose nursery rhymes so confuses and frightens the arrogant Think-Tank that he cancels his invasion. Thus the play playfully but powerfully proves that books – symbols of knowledge – are mightier than weapons.

7. Compare and contrast the characters of Think-Tank and Noodle.

ANSWERThink-Tank and Noodle are opposites. Think-Tank is the all-powerful ruler of Mars – vain, arrogant and short-tempered. He loves flattery, admires himself in a mirror, demands an elaborate salutation, and believes he is “never wrong,” yet every guess he makes is foolish and mistaken. Noodle, his lowly apprentice, is humble, polite and genuinely intelligent. He notices the truth about the books but conveys it so tactfully that he corrects his master without offending him, letting Think-Tank take the credit. Where Think-Tank represents false pride and empty authority, Noodle represents true wisdom and modesty. Fittingly, the Historian reveals that the clever Noodle later replaced Think-Tank as the wise ruler of Mars.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. Who is the author of “The Book That Saved the Earth”?

(a) Robert Arthur   (b) Claire Boiko   (c) Isaac Asimov   (d) Ruskin Bond

2. In which century is the opening scene of the play set?

(a) Twentieth   (b) Twenty-first   (c) Twenty-fifth   (d) Thirtieth

3. The twentieth century was often called the:

(a) Era of the Machine   (b) Era of the Book   (c) Space Age   (d) Golden Age

4. What does Think-Tank first think the books are?

(a) Hats   (b) Sandwiches   (c) Weapons   (d) Mirrors

5. Which crew member is ordered to eat a book?

(a) Captain Omega   (b) Lieutenant Iota   (c) Sergeant Oop   (d) Noodle

6. The large, colourful book that the crew finally examines is a book of:

(a) Mother Goose nursery rhymes   (b) rockets   (c) an encyclopedia   (d) maps

7. Whose picture does the Humpty Dumpty illustration resemble?

(a) Noodle’s   (b) Omega’s   (c) Think-Tank’s   (d) the Historian’s

8. Where does Think-Tank decide to flee to?

(a) Earth   (b) The Moon   (c) Alpha Centauri   (d) Jupiter

9. Who finally replaced Think-Tank as the ruler of Mars?

(a) Captain Omega   (b) Noodle   (c) Sergeant Oop   (d) The Historian

10. From “Mistress Mary,” Think-Tank concludes that Earthlings can grow:

(a) only flowers   (b) rare metals and high explosives   (c) sandwiches   (d) trees

Answer key: 1-(b)   2-(c)   3-(b)   4-(b)   5-(c)   6-(a)   7-(c)   8-(c)   9-(b)   10-(b)

Assertion–Reason – choose: (a) A and R true, R explains A; (b) A and R true, R does not explain A; (c) A true, R false; (d) A false, R true.

1. Assertion (A): Think-Tank called off the invasion of Earth.

Reason (R): He misread the nursery rhymes as proof that the powerful Earthlings were about to capture Mars.

2. Assertion (A): Noodle openly told Think-Tank that he was wrong about the books.

Reason (R): Noodle was humble and tactful and did not wish to offend his proud master.

3. Assertion (A): The Martians could not understand what the books were.

Reason (R): The Martians had never seen books before and had no idea of reading.

4. Assertion (A): Think-Tank admires himself in a mirror and demands flattery.

Reason (R): He is humble and modest about his own abilities.

5. Assertion (A): An ordinary book of nursery rhymes saved the Earth.

Reason (R): The rhymes so confused and frightened Think-Tank that he cancelled the Martian invasion.

Answer key: 1-(a)   2-(d)   3-(a)   4-(c)   5-(a)
2-(d): A is false (Noodle never told him openly – he hinted tactfully), while R is true. 4-(c): A is true, but R is false – Think-Tank is vain and proud, not humble.

Exam tips

How to score full marks

• Remember the names of all the characters and who guesses/hints what – examiners often ask to contrast Think-Tank (proud, foolish) with Noodle (humble, wise).

• Learn the three wrong guesses in order: sandwich → ear communication → eye communication (code). This is a favourite question.

• Connect each nursery rhyme to Think-Tank’s wrong conclusion (Mistress Mary → explosives; Hey diddle diddle → trained animals; Humpty Dumpty → his own head).

• Always link your answer to the play’s theme – the power of books and the folly of arrogance.

• In value/opinion questions (books vs e-media, favourite book), give a clear personal view with reasons.

FAQs

Who wrote “The Book That Saved the Earth” and what type of text is it?

It was written by Claire Boiko. It is a one-act science-fiction comedy play and is the ninth chapter of the Class 10 English supplementary reader ‘Footprints Without Feet.’

Which book actually saved the Earth in the play?

An ordinary book of Mother Goose nursery rhymes saved the Earth. Think-Tank misread the simple rhymes as dangerous coded threats and called off the Martian invasion in fear.

Why is the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?

Because in those days there were books on every possible subject, and books taught, illustrated, educated and shaped people’s lives, making reading central to society.

How is Noodle different from Think-Tank?

Noodle is humble, polite and genuinely wise, correcting his master tactfully, while Think-Tank is vain, arrogant and foolish. Noodle later replaced Think-Tank as the wise ruler of Mars.

Questions are reproduced verbatim from the NCERT Footprints Without Feet textbook; the summary and all answers are written originally by ClearStudy.

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