Hole in the Zoo: questions to ask and activities to try
There's a hole in the wall, and the Zoo animals are coming through! Hole in the Zoo is an energetic rhyming adventure from the team behind Kipper.
What age is it for? Hole in the Zoo is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Escaped animals and rhyming mayhem.
Hole in the Zoo (Chloë and Mick Inkpen)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Escaped animals and rhyming mayhem
Read it with energy and let your child spot each new animal. Count how many come through.
What it helps with
- Rhyme and rhythm
- Counting and spotting
- Animals and mischief
- Laughing together
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 was the hole?”
- “Which animal came through first?”
- “What did the animals do?”
- “How many came through?”
- “How did they get them back?”
- “Which animal would you want in your garden?”
5-minute activities to try together
Escaped animals
Hide toy animals around the house and round them up.
Zoo map
Draw a zoo and the hole in its wall.
Free printables: Hole in the Zoo 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)
- Best for
- First words, animals and lifting the flaps
- Age
- 0-4
Kipper's Birthday (Mick Inkpen)
- Best for
- Birthdays, friends, and getting days muddled
- Age
- 2-6
You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus (Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman)
- Best for
- Silly animals on unsuitable transport
- 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.