Polly and the Puffin: questions to ask and activities to try
Polly finds a puffin with a hurt wing and names him Neil. Polly and the Puffin is a gentle early chapter book about caring for an animal and friendship.
What age is it for? Polly and the Puffin is best for ages 5–7. Good for: Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go.
Polly and the Puffin (Jenny Colgan and Thomas Docherty)
- Age
- 5-7
- Best for
- Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go
Read a chapter at a time and try one of the activities at the back. Talk about how Polly felt when Neil was ready to fly.
What it helps with
- Caring for animals
- Friendship
- Letting go
- Early 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.
- “What did Polly hear?”
- “What was wrong with the puffin?”
- “What did she name him?”
- “How did she help?”
- “How did she feel when he flew?”
- “What animal would you care for?”
5-minute activities to try together
Puffin facts
Find out where puffins live and what they eat.
Try a recipe
Make one of the recipes in the back of the book together.
Free printables: Polly and the Puffin 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
Meet the Twitches (Hayley Scott and Pippa Curnick)
- Best for
- Toy rabbits that come alive, in a first chapter book
- Age
- 5-7
Hotel Flamingo (Alex Milway)
- Best for
- Hard work and teamwork, in a funny early chapter book
- Age
- 6-8
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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.