Harry the Poisonous Centipede: questions to ask and activities to try
Harry the centipede ventures up the Pipe into the world of the dreaded Hoo-Mins. Harry the Poisonous Centipede is a squirmy, prize-winning chapter book.
What age is it for? Harry the Poisonous Centipede is best for ages 6–9. Good for: A centipede's adventures in the world of the Hoo-Mins.
Harry the Poisonous Centipede (Lynne Reid Banks and Tony Ross)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- A centipede's adventures in the world of the Hoo-Mins
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about how the world looks from a centipede's point of view, and who the scary Hoo-Mins really are.
What it helps with
- Seeing from another point of view
- Bravery and curiosity
- Listening to warnings
- 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.
- “Where does Harry live?”
- “What is a Hoo-Min?”
- “Why did Harry go exploring?”
- “What happened up the Pipe?”
- “Are humans scary to bugs?”
- “What would a centipede think of you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Bug's view
Describe a room as a centipede would see it.
Minibeast hunt
Look under stones for centipedes and other minibeasts, and put them back gently.
Free printables: Harry the Poisonous Centipede 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
The Diary of a Killer Cat (Anne Fine)
- Best for
- A cat's side of the story
- Age
- 6-9
Yucky Worms (Vivian French and Jessica Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Discovering how amazing worms really are
- Age
- 4-8
The Very Busy Spider (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Sticking at a job, even when others want you to play
- Age
- 0-4
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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.