Apes to Zebras: An A–Z of Shape Poems: questions to ask and activities to try
An A to Z of animals, each written as a poem shaped like the animal. Apes to Zebras combines poetry and art.
What age is it for? Apes to Zebras: An A–Z of Shape Poems is best for ages 6–9. Good for: Animal poems shaped like the animals.
Apes to Zebras: An A–Z of Shape Poems (Roger Stevens, Liz Brownlee and Sue Hardy-Dawson)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- Animal poems shaped like the animals
Look at the shape before reading the words. Then write a shape poem together.
What it helps with
- Shape poems
- Animals A to Z
- Wordplay
- Creative writing
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Which animal is for your initial?”
- “How is the poem shaped?”
- “Which poem was cleverest?”
- “What words were used?”
- “Which animal is missing?”
- “What shape poem would you write?”
5-minute activities to try together
Shape poem
Write a poem shaped like a favourite animal.
Alphabet zoo
Name an animal for every letter.
Free printables: Apes to Zebras: An A–Z of Shape Poems worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Where Zebras Go (Sue Hardy-Dawson)
- Best for
- Poems from the savannah to fairy-tale realms
- Age
- 7-10
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! (Fiona Waters and Britta Teckentrup)
- Best for
- An animal poem for every day of the year
- Age
- 4-10
Perfectly Peculiar Pets (Elli Woollard and Anja Boretzki)
- Best for
- Silly poems about very unusual pets
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.