The Highway Rat: questions to ask and activities to try
The Highway Rat takes everyone's food on the road, until a clever duck outwits him. Children enjoy seeing greed fail, which opens a calm conversation about taking and sharing.
What age is it for? The Highway Rat is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share.
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share
Ask how the other animals felt when the rat took their food, rather than telling your child that grabbing is wrong. It's easier to see from the outside, and the duck shows that you don't have to be big to stand up for yourself.
What it helps with
- Grabbing and snatching
- Sharing food and toys
- Greed and fairness
- Standing up to someone who takes
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.
- “How do you think the other animals felt when the rat took their food?”
- “Why do you think the rat kept taking things?”
- “How did the duck stop him?”
- “What happened to the rat at the end?”
- “What could you do if someone grabbed your toy?”
- “How does it feel when someone shares with you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Offer, don't take
Share a snack by taking turns to offer it, rather than taking it.
Swap or share game
Play a game with one toy where you practise asking “Can I have a turn?” and “Here you go.”
Free printables: The Highway Rat 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
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Martine Agassi)
- Best for
- Talking about safer hands during conflict
- Age
- 4-8
Room on the Broom (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Making room for others, and friends who stick together
- Age
- 3-6
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig)
- Best for
- Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 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.