Ossiri and the Bala Mengro: questions to ask and activities to try
Ossiri makes her own instrument, but it sounds terrible, so she practises near the ogre in the hills. Ossiri and the Bala Mengro is a Traveller tale about creativity and persistence.
What age is it for? Ossiri and the Bala Mengro is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Practising, making music and being yourself.
Ossiri and the Bala Mengro (Richard O'Neill and Katharine Quarmby)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Practising, making music and being yourself
Read it and enjoy the noise! Talk about how practice makes things better, even when they sound bad at first.
What it helps with
- Practice and persistence
- Creativity and recycling
- Traveller culture
- Courage
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 did Ossiri make?”
- “What was it made from?”
- “How did it sound?”
- “Why did she go to the hills?”
- “What happened with the ogre?”
- “What are you practising?”
5-minute activities to try together
Junk instrument
Make an instrument from recycled things and practise a tune.
Practice chart
Keep a practice chart for something new.
Free printables: Ossiri and the Bala Mengro 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
Yokki and the Parno Gry (Richard O'Neill and Katharine Quarmby)
- Best for
- Hope, storytelling and Traveller culture
- Age
- 4-8
Harmony House (Monika Singh Gangotra and Nicci Martin)
- Best for
- Disagreeing, listening and making music together
- Age
- 4-8
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth)
- Best for
- Deafness, determination and finding your own way
- Age
- 4-8
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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.