The Grunts in Trouble: questions to ask and activities to try
Mr and Mrs Grunt are neither clean nor clever. The Grunts in Trouble is a hilarious, chaotic story illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
What age is it for? The Grunts in Trouble is best for ages 7–10. Good for: A very grubby family and a lot of trouble.
The Grunts in Trouble (Philip Ardagh and Axel Scheffler)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- A very grubby family and a lot of trouble
Read it aloud and enjoy the silly narrator. Talk about who's the most sensible person in the book (Sunny!).
What it helps with
- Humour and wordplay
- Unusual families
- Reading aloud
- 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 are the Grunts?”
- “Who is Sunny?”
- “Where do they live?”
- “What trouble happened?”
- “Who is most sensible?”
- “What’s the silliest thing they did?”
5-minute activities to try together
Grunt rules
Write the Grunts' house rules (the opposite of yours).
Caravan
Design a caravan for a very messy family.
Free printables: The Grunts in Trouble 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
Horrid Henry (Francesca Simon and Tony Ross)
- Best for
- A very naughty boy, and laughing at bad behaviour
- Age
- 6-8
The 13-Storey Treehouse (Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton)
- Best for
- A ridiculous treehouse and laugh-out-loud adventures
- Age
- 6-9
Barry Loser: I Am Not a Loser (Jim Smith)
- Best for
- Coolness, friendship and an annoying new boy
- Age
- 7-10
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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.