Funnybones: questions to ask and activities to try
On a dark dark hill there was a dark dark town... Funnybones is the much-loved classic about three skeletons who go out to frighten somebody, funny rather than scary.
What age is it for? Funnybones is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A funny-not-scary classic about skeletons.
Funnybones (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A funny-not-scary classic about skeletons
Read the “dark dark” opening slowly and spookily, then enjoy the silliness. The repeated words are great for children starting to read.
What it helps with
- Spooky but safe stories
- Repeated words for early readers
- Body parts and bones
- Laughing at things that seem scary
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.
- “Where did the skeletons live?”
- “What did they want to do?”
- “Who did they meet?”
- “What happened to the dog?”
- “Were they scary or funny?”
- “How many bones do you think you have?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dark dark story
Make up your own “dark dark” story about your own house.
Bone count
Feel your bones together: knees, elbows, ribs. Sing “Dem Bones” if you know it.
Free printables: Funnybones 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
Peepo! (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Peekaboo, rhyme and noticing details
- Age
- 0-3
Each Peach Pear Plum (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Playing I spy, rhyme and favourite nursery characters
- Age
- 0-5
Room on the Broom (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Making room for others, and friends who stick together
- Age
- 3-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.