The Greatest Show on Earth: questions to ask and activities to try
The whole history of planet Earth, told as a stage show. The Greatest Show on Earth is Mini Grey's funny, imaginative guide to the story of life.
What age is it for? The Greatest Show on Earth is best for ages 5–9. Good for: The whole history of life on Earth as a stage show.
The Greatest Show on Earth (Mini Grey)
- Age
- 5-9
- Best for
- The whole history of life on Earth as a stage show
Read a few pages at a time. Use a long strip of paper to show how short human history is.
What it helps with
- The history of life on Earth
- Evolution
- Time and timelines
- Humour
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.
- “When did the show start?”
- “What were the first living things?”
- “When did dinosaurs appear?”
- “When did people arrive?”
- “What surprised you?”
- “What might come next?”
5-minute activities to try together
Time strip
Make a long timeline on a roll of paper and mark when people appeared.
Fossil hunt
Look for fossils on a beach or in a museum.
Free printables: The Greatest Show on Earth 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
Everything You Know About Dinosaurs Is Wrong! (Nick Crumpton and Gavin Scott)
- Best for
- Dinosaur myths, and what scientists really know
- Age
- 6-9
Pop-Up Dinosaurium (Chris Wormell)
- Best for
- Dinosaurs up close, with pop-ups
- Age
- 5-8
Here We Are (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- A guide to life on planet Earth
- Age
- 2-7
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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.