Jasper and Scruff: questions to ask and activities to try
Smart kitty, mucky pup, here comes trouble. Jasper and Scruff is a funny early chapter book about a posh cat, a scruffy dog and an unlikely friendship.
What age is it for? Jasper and Scruff is best for ages 5–8. Good for: An unlikely friendship, in a funny early chapter book.
Jasper and Scruff (Nicola Colton)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- An unlikely friendship, in a funny early chapter book
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about whether the Sophisticats were good friends, and what Scruff offered instead.
What it helps with
- Unlikely friendships
- Fitting in versus being yourself
- Early chapter books
- Humour
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 was Jasper like?”
- “Who were the Sophisticats?”
- “Who was Scruff?”
- “Who was the better friend?”
- “Why?”
- “What makes a real friend?”
5-minute activities to try together
Friend qualities
List what makes a good friend, then spot them in Scruff.
Bow tie
Make a paper bow tie for a toy cat.
Free printables: Jasper and Scruff 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
Claude in the City (Alex T. Smith)
- Best for
- A funny first chapter book about a dog's day out
- Age
- 5-7
Hotel Flamingo (Alex Milway)
- Best for
- Hard work and teamwork, in a funny early chapter book
- Age
- 6-8
A Splendid Friend, Indeed (Suzanne Bloom)
- Best for
- Making friends with someone very different from you
- Age
- 2-5
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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.