No Dinner!: questions to ask and activities to try
An old woman meets a hungry fox, a bear and a tiger on her way through the forest. No Dinner! is a vibrant retelling of a traditional tale from India about quick thinking and clever escapes.
What age is it for? No Dinner! is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Quick thinking, and a traditional tale from India.
No Dinner! (Jessica Souhami)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Quick thinking, and a traditional tale from India
Read it like a storyteller, with a different voice for each animal. Before the ending, ask your child how the old woman might get home safely.
What it helps with
- Thinking quickly when something goes wrong
- Being clever rather than strong
- Traditional stories from around the world
- Predicting what happens next
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 old woman going?”
- “Which animals did she meet?”
- “What did she tell them?”
- “How did she get home?”
- “Was she brave, clever or both?”
- “What would you have done?”
5-minute activities to try together
Clever escape
Act out the story with toys. Let your child think up a different clever escape.
Story map
Draw the old woman's journey through the forest and back, with each animal along the way.
Free printables: No Dinner! 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 Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
Hungry Hen (Richard Waring and Caroline Jayne Church)
- Best for
- A very simple story with a brilliant twist
- Age
- 2-6
Hot Hippo (Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway)
- Best for
- Keeping promises, and a traditional-style animal tale
- 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.