Du Iz Tak?: questions to ask and activities to try
Du iz tak? What is that? The insects in this garden speak their own language. Du Iz Tak? is a gorgeous book written in “Bug”, where children work out the meaning from the pictures.
What age is it for? Du Iz Tak? is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Working out meaning from pictures and an invented bug language.
Du Iz Tak? (Carson Ellis)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Working out meaning from pictures and an invented bug language
Read the bug words in funny voices and let your child guess what they mean from the pictures. There's no wrong answer.
What it helps with
- Working out meaning from context
- Invented language and wordplay
- Plants growing through the seasons
- Insects
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.
- “What do you think the bugs are saying?”
- “What grew in the garden?”
- “What did the bugs build?”
- “What happened in the autumn?”
- “Which bug word is your favourite?”
- “What does it mean?”
5-minute activities to try together
Bug dictionary
Make a dictionary of your favourite bug words and their meanings.
Invent a language
Make up three words in your own language and use them at dinner.
Free printables: Du Iz Tak? 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Very Busy Spider (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Sticking at a job, even when others want you to play
- Age
- 0-4
Bee and Me (Alison Jay)
- Best for
- Overcoming fear of bees, and why bees matter
- Age
- 3-7
Yucky Worms (Vivian French and Jessica Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Discovering how amazing worms really are
- 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.