Sam and Dave Dig a Hole: questions to ask and activities to try
Sam and Dave dig a hole to find something spectacular, and keep just missing it. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is a funny book about sticking at a plan, and noticing what you might have missed.
What age is it for? Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is best for ages 4–7. Good for: Sticking at a plan, and seeing what the pictures show.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- Sticking at a plan, and seeing what the pictures show
Let your child shout out when they spot the treasure Sam and Dave miss. Afterwards, talk about the ending and what they think happened.
What it helps with
- Sticking at a plan
- Working together
- Looking closely at pictures
- Talking about puzzling endings
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 were Sam and Dave looking for?”
- “What did they keep missing?”
- “Why didn’t they find it?”
- “What do you think happened at the end?”
- “Was their day spectacular after all?”
- “What would you hope to find if you dug a hole?”
5-minute activities to try together
Treasure dig
Hide a small treasure in a sandpit, a pot of soil or a box of rice and take turns digging for it.
Keep going
Do a small job together that takes patience, like a jigsaw, and talk about how it felt to finish.
Free printables: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole 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
This Is Not My Hat (Jon Klassen)
- Best for
- Taking what isn't yours, and reading between the lines
- Age
- 3-7
Extra Yarn (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen)
- Best for
- Kindness and sharing, and saying no when it matters
- Age
- 4-7
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 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.