Lunchtime: questions to ask and activities to try
It's lunchtime, but the little girl isn't hungry, and three hungry animals have arrived. Lunchtime is a sweet, funny story about mealtimes, imagination and a very happy ending.
What age is it for? Lunchtime is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Not being hungry at mealtimes, and a funny twist.
Lunchtime (Rebecca Cobb)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Not being hungry at mealtimes, and a funny twist
Read it with big hungry-animal voices. Afterwards, chat about what helps at lunchtime when your child doesn't feel hungry, without any pressure.
What it helps with
- Not feeling hungry at mealtimes
- Imaginative play at the table
- Being a little bit brave
- Laughing together about food
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.
- “Why didn’t the girl want her lunch?”
- “Which animals came to visit?”
- “What did the animals want to eat?”
- “What happened when they tried?”
- “What’s your favourite lunch?”
- “What helps you when you’re not hungry?”
5-minute activities to try together
Animal lunch
Set a pretend lunch for toy animals. What would each one like to eat?
Tiny tastes
Serve lunch in tiny portions on a big plate, and let your child ask for more.
Free printables: Lunchtime 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
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato (Lauren Child)
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and imagination at mealtimes
- Age
- 3-7
I Won't Eat That (Christopher Silas Neal)
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and finding what you like
- Age
- 2-6
The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
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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.