Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes: questions to ask and activities to try
A big purple rhino has eaten Daisy's pancake, but Mum and Dad aren't listening. Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes is a very funny story about busy grown-ups and being heard.
What age is it for? Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Feeling ignored, and wanting grown-ups to listen.
Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes (Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Feeling ignored, and wanting grown-ups to listen
Enjoy the silliness, then turn the question around: when do grown-ups not listen, and when do children not listen? It's a fun, gentle nudge for everyone.
What it helps with
- Feeling ignored by busy grown-ups
- Getting someone's attention in a good way
- Listening to each other
- Imagination and silliness
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 the rhino eat?”
- “Why didn’t Mum and Dad believe Daisy?”
- “How did Daisy feel?”
- “What did they find out in the end?”
- “When do you feel nobody listens?”
- “How can we be better listeners?”
5-minute activities to try together
Listening time
Set a timer for five minutes of full attention: phones away, your child chooses the topic.
Silly news
Take turns telling silly made-up news, like a rhino at breakfast. The listener has to repeat it back.
Free printables: Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes 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
Not Now, Bernard (David McKee)
- Best for
- Feeling ignored, and talking about listening to each other
- Age
- 3-7
Billy's Bucket (Kes Gray and Garry Parsons)
- Best for
- Imagination, and wanting grown-ups to believe you
- Age
- 3-6
The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Judith Kerr)
- Best for
- Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly
- Age
- 2-6
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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.