The Girl Who Stole an Elephant: questions to ask and activities to try
Chaya steals the queen's jewels, then flees on an elephant. The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is a thrilling jungle adventure.
What age is it for? The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is best for ages 8–11. Good for: A thief, a jewel and an escape through the jungle.
The Girl Who Stole an Elephant (Nizrana Farook)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- A thief, a jewel and an escape through the jungle
Read a chapter a night with older children. Talk about whether Chaya was right to steal.
What it helps with
- Right and wrong
- Friendship and loyalty
- Courage
- Adventure novels
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.
- “Why does Chaya steal?”
- “What did she take?”
- “Who was blamed?”
- “Where did she go?”
- “Was she right?”
- “What would you have done?”
5-minute activities to try together
Right or wrong
Debate whether stealing to help others is ever OK.
Jungle map
Draw the jungle escape route.
Free printables: The Girl Who Stole an Elephant 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 Explorer (Katherine Rundell)
- Best for
- Surviving in the Amazon after a plane crash
- Age
- 8-11
Emil and the Detectives (Erich Kästner)
- Best for
- A boy and a gang of children catching a thief
- Age
- 7-10
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
- Age
- 8-11
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.