Tanka Tanka Skunk!: questions to ask and activities to try
Tanka, Skunka, Tanka Tanka Skunk! Tanka Tanka Skunk! is a joyful, rhythmic book of animal names that sound like drums.
What age is it for? Tanka Tanka Skunk! is best for ages 1–5. Good for: Rhythm, sounds and drumming along.
Clap or drum along to every name. Breaking names into beats is great early practice for reading.
What it helps with
- Rhythm and beat
- Breaking words into syllables
- Joining in with sounds
- Animal names
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.
- “Who are Tanka and Skunka?”
- “Can you drum their names?”
- “Which animal name was the funniest?”
- “How many beats are in your name?”
- “Which animals did you meet?”
- “Can you make up a drum name?”
5-minute activities to try together
Name drum
Clap or drum the beats in everyone's names in the family.
Pan band
Use pans and spoons as drums and play along as you read.
Free printables: Tanka Tanka Skunk! 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
The Animal Boogie (Debbie Harter)
- Best for
- Moving, dancing and joining in with a song
- Age
- 2-5
All Join In (Quentin Blake)
- Best for
- Joining in, making noise together, and having fun with words
- Age
- 3-7
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Colours, animals and joining in with repeated words
- Age
- 0-4
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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.