Olga da Polga: questions to ask and activities to try
Olga da Polga the guinea pig loves an audience and tells the tallest tales. Olga da Polga is a classic chapter book from the creator of Paddington.
What age is it for? Olga da Polga is best for ages 6–8. Good for: A guinea pig with a big imagination and tall tales.
Olga da Polga (Michael Bond and Catherine Rayner)
- Age
- 6-8
- Best for
- A guinea pig with a big imagination and tall tales
Read a chapter at a time. Ask your child if they believe Olga's stories, and invite them to tell a tall tale of their own.
What it helps with
- Imagination and tall tales
- Pets and new homes
- Friendship with different animals
- Classic chapter books
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 did Olga come from?”
- “Who are her garden friends?”
- “What tall tales did she tell?”
- “Did they believe her?”
- “Why does she love an audience?”
- “What tall tale would you tell?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tall tale
Take turns making up a tall tale and saying if you believe it.
Pet care
Find out what guinea pigs need to be happy.
Free printables: Olga da Polga 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
A Bear Called Paddington (Michael Bond and Peggy Fortnum)
- Best for
- Kindness to newcomers, and the first Paddington stories
- Age
- 5-8
Rabbit's Bad Habits (Julian Gough and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Friendship, sharing and a rabbit with bad habits
- Age
- 6-8
Polly and the Puffin (Jenny Colgan and Thomas Docherty)
- Best for
- Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go
- Age
- 5-7
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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.