Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs: questions to ask and activities to try
Harry takes his bucketful of dinosaurs everywhere, until they get lost. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs is a much-loved story about loving your things, losing them, and speaking up to get them back.
What age is it for? Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Losing something you love, and speaking up for it.
Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs (Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Losing something you love, and speaking up for it
Read it with a bucket of toys nearby if you can. Pause when the dinosaurs are lost and ask how Harry feels. The lost property scene is a great moment to talk about speaking up politely.
What it helps with
- Losing a favourite toy
- Speaking up for yourself, politely
- Caring for your things
- Dinosaur names, for dinosaur fans
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 Harry find the dinosaurs?”
- “What did he do to look after them?”
- “How did he feel when they got lost?”
- “How did he prove they were his?”
- “What would you do if you lost your favourite toy?”
- “Which toy would you take everywhere?”
5-minute activities to try together
Name your toys
Give each toy in a box a name, like Harry did. Can your child remember them all the next day?
Lost property
Play lost property: one person “finds” a toy and the other has to describe it to get it back.
Free printables: Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs 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
Dogger (Shirley Hughes)
- Best for
- Losing a favourite toy, and a kind big sister
- Age
- 3-7
Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems)
- Best for
- Losing a favourite toy, and being understood before you can talk
- Age
- 2-6
I Love You, Blue Kangaroo! (Emma Chichester Clark)
- Best for
- Worrying about being replaced, and favourite toys
- Age
- 2-6
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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.