Gorilla: questions to ask and activities to try
Hannah's dad is always too busy, so a gorilla takes her to the zoo. Gorilla is Anthony Browne's Kate Greenaway Medal-winning classic about loneliness and love.
What age is it for? Gorilla is best for ages 4–8. Good for: A lonely child, a busy dad and a magical gorilla.
Gorilla (Anthony Browne)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- A lonely child, a busy dad and a magical gorilla
Look closely for the gorillas hidden in the pictures. Talk about how Hannah felt with her busy dad.
What it helps with
- Loneliness
- Busy parents
- Wishes and imagination
- Spotting details in pictures
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 did Hannah love?”
- “Why didn’t her dad take her to the zoo?”
- “What happened to her toy gorilla?”
- “Where did they go?”
- “What happened in the morning?”
- “What would you like to do with your grown-up?”
5-minute activities to try together
Gorilla spotting
Find all the hidden gorillas in the pictures.
Together time
Plan one special outing with a grown-up.
Free printables: Gorilla 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
Through the Magic Mirror (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Being fed up, and seeing the world differently
- Age
- 3-7
Seahorses Are Sold Out (Constanze Spengler and Katja Gehrmann)
- Best for
- A busy parent working from home, and a very funny pet shop
- Age
- 3-7
Mr Big (Ed Vere)
- Best for
- Looking scary on the outside, and being lonely
- Age
- 3-7
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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.