The Dragonsitter: questions to ask and activities to try
Edward is looking after his uncle's dragon for a week. What could go wrong? The Dragonsitter is a funny story told in emails.
What age is it for? The Dragonsitter is best for ages 6–9. Good for: Looking after Uncle Morton's dragon.
The Dragonsitter (Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- Looking after Uncle Morton's dragon
Read Edward's emails with growing panic. Ask your child how they'd look after a dragon.
What it helps with
- Responsibility
- Writing letters and emails
- Humour
- 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.
- “Who is Edward looking after?”
- “What did the dragon do?”
- “Who is Jemima?”
- “Why didn’t Uncle Morton reply?”
- “How did it end?”
- “What would you do with a dragon?”
5-minute activities to try together
Email to uncle
Write a panicked email about a pet disaster.
Dragon rules
Write rules for looking after a dragon.
Free printables: The Dragonsitter 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
The Boy Who Grew Dragons (Andy Shepherd and Sara Ogilvie)
- Best for
- Growing a dragon in Grandad's garden
- Age
- 6-9
The Dragon in the Library (Louie Stowell and Davide Ortu)
- Best for
- A girl who hates reading discovers a magical library
- Age
- 7-10
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe (Megumi Iwasa and Jun Takabatake)
- Best for
- A pen-pal friendship across the world
- Age
- 5-8
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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.