Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon: questions to ask and activities to try
Harley breaks a circus cabinet that makes things disappear, and then the Moon goes missing. Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon is an inventive science adventure about owning up to mistakes and working out how to fix them.
What age is it for? Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon is best for ages 7–9. Good for: Owning up to a mistake, and working out how to fix it.
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon (Vashti Hardy and George Ermos)
- Age
- 7-9
- Best for
- Owning up to a mistake, and working out how to fix it
Read a chapter or two at a time. Talk about what Harley could do when she thinks she’s to blame, and what you would do in her place.
What it helps with
- Owning up to mistakes
- Problem solving
- Curiosity and science
- Reading longer chapter books
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 happened when the circus came to town?”
- “Why did Harley think she might be to blame?”
- “What changed when the Moon went missing?”
- “How did Harley try to fix things?”
- “What do you do when you think something is your fault?”
- “What would you invent to solve a big problem?”
5-minute activities to try together
Moon diary
Look at the Moon each night for a week and draw its shape. How does it change?
Fix-it plan
Think of a small mistake, then write three steps to put it right, like Harley would.
Free printables: Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon 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
Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest (Vashti Hardy and George Ermos)
- Best for
- A young inventor, her robot dog and a mystery
- Age
- 7-9
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)
- Best for
- A robot learning to survive in the wild
- Age
- 7-10
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 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.