Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks: questions to ask and activities to try
Puzzling toes, weird ears and very funny bums. Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks is a delightful book about the strangest animal body parts and why they matter.
What age is it for? Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Weird and wonderful animal body parts.
Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks (Alex Morss, Sean Taylor and Sarah Edmonds)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Weird and wonderful animal body parts
Read a spread at a time and guess what each strange feature is for before reading the answer.
What it helps with
- Animal adaptations
- Curiosity about nature
- Science vocabulary
- Humour
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 had the funniest bum?”
- “Which beak was freakiest?”
- “Why do animals have strange features?”
- “Which feature would you like?”
- “What’s your favourite fact?”
- “What’s special about the human body?”
5-minute activities to try together
Design an animal
Invent an animal with a strange feature that helps it survive.
Body hunt
Find animals in your garden or park and notice their special features.
Free printables: Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks 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
You're Called What?! (Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson)
- Best for
- Real animals with very silly names
- Age
- 3-7
Lots (Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton)
- Best for
- How many kinds of living things there are, and why it matters
- Age
- 5-8
FACTopia! (Kate Hale and Andy Smith)
- Best for
- A trail of crazily connected facts
- Age
- 7-10
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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.