The Girl and the Dinosaur: questions to ask and activities to try
Marianne digs up dinosaur bones on the beach and wishes on the stars, and one night a dinosaur wakes. The Girl and the Dinosaur is a magical rhyming story about loneliness and friendship.
What age is it for? The Girl and the Dinosaur is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A lonely girl and a magical friend.
The Girl and the Dinosaur (Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A lonely girl and a magical friend
Read it at bedtime. Talk about why Marianne played alone, and what a friend can do.
What it helps with
- Loneliness
- Wishes and imagination
- Friendship
- Fossils and the seaside
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.
- “Where did Marianne play?”
- “Why was she alone?”
- “What did she dig up?”
- “What did she wish for?”
- “What did the dinosaur do?”
- “What would you wish for?”
5-minute activities to try together
Fossil hunt
Look for interesting stones and shells on a beach or path.
Wishing star
Make a paper star and write a wish on it.
Free printables: The Girl and the Dinosaur 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
Pop-Up Dinosaurium (Chris Wormell)
- Best for
- Dinosaurs up close, with pop-ups
- Age
- 5-8
My Friend Bear (Jez Alborough)
- Best for
- Feeling lonely, and finding a friend
- Age
- 2-5
Hello, Friend! (Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants
- Age
- 3-6
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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.