Meerkat Mail: questions to ask and activities to try
Sunny the meerkat sets off to find somewhere better than home, and sends postcards as he goes. Meerkat Mail is a witty lift-the-flap book about families and finding home is best.
What age is it for? Meerkat Mail is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Leaving home, and finding home is best.
Read every postcard together. Talk about why Sunny wanted space, and why he came home.
What it helps with
- Wanting space from family
- Missing home
- Postcards and letters
- Feeling safe
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 did Sunny leave?”
- “Who did he visit?”
- “What was wrong with each place?”
- “Who was following him?”
- “Why did he go home?”
- “Where do you feel at home?”
5-minute activities to try together
Postcard home
Write a postcard to your family from an imaginary trip.
Meerkat watch
Stand tall like a meerkat on guard and spot things around the room.
Free printables: Meerkat Mail 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
Dogs (Emily Gravett)
- Best for
- Opposites, choosing a favourite, and a twist
- Age
- 2-5
Orange Pear Apple Bear (Emily Gravett)
- Best for
- Playing with four simple words and colours
- Age
- 0-4
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect
- Age
- 3-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.