Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest: questions to ask and activities to try
Harley, her robot dog and her best friend must solve a mystery in the Iron Forest. Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest is a joyful science adventure.
What age is it for? Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest is best for ages 7–9. Good for: A young inventor, her robot dog and a mystery.
Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest (Vashti Hardy and George Ermos)
- Age
- 7-9
- Best for
- A young inventor, her robot dog and a mystery
Read a chapter at a time. Pause at each problem and ask your child how they'd solve it.
What it helps with
- Science and invention
- Problem solving
- Friendship
- Caring for nature
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.
- “Who is Harley?”
- “Who is Sprocket?”
- “What’s the Iron Forest?”
- “What went wrong?”
- “How did she fix it?”
- “What would you invent?”
5-minute activities to try together
Robot pet
Design a robot pet and its special features.
Solve it
Pick a problem at home and design an invention to fix it.
Free printables: Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest 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
Izzy Gizmo (Pip Jones and Sara Ogilvie)
- Best for
- Inventions that go wrong, and not giving up
- Age
- 3-7
Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor (Lucy Brandt and Gladys Jose)
- Best for
- A secret inventor and a secret society
- Age
- 7-10
Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty and David Roberts)
- Best for
- Endless questions, curiosity and science
- 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.