The Leopard's Drum: questions to ask and activities to try
Osebo the leopard won't share his magnificent drum, and no animal can take it, until a small tortoise tries. The Leopard's Drum is a vibrant West African tale about cleverness beating boastfulness.
What age is it for? The Leopard's Drum is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Being small, clever and brave.
Read it like a storyteller and give the leopard a booming voice. Before the end, ask your child how the tortoise might succeed where the big animals failed.
What it helps with
- Being small and still capable
- Boasting and not sharing
- Cleverness over strength
- Traditional tales from West Africa
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.
- “What did Osebo the leopard have?”
- “Why wouldn’t he share it?”
- “Which animals tried to get the drum?”
- “How did the tortoise trick him?”
- “What did the tortoise get as a reward?”
- “When have you solved a problem cleverly?”
5-minute activities to try together
Drum along
Make a drum from a box or pan and play the story's rhythm.
Clever tortoise
Act out the story with toys and let your child invent a different clever trick.
Free printables: The Leopard's Drum 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
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- Age
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The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
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- Age
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Hot Hippo (Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway)
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- Age
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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.