The Most Important Animal of All: questions to ask and activities to try
Seven super-animals the planet can't live without. The Most Important Animal of All asks which matters most.
What age is it for? The Most Important Animal of All is best for ages 5–8. Good for: The animals our planet can't live without.
The Most Important Animal of All (Penny Worms and Hannah Bailey)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- The animals our planet can't live without
Read about each animal and vote for the most important. Talk about how everything in nature is connected.
What it helps with
- Keystone species
- How ecosystems connect
- Conservation
- Making an argument
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 is a keystone species?”
- “Which seven animals are in the book?”
- “Why does each one matter?”
- “Which do you think is most important?”
- “What did the book say?”
- “How can we protect them?”
5-minute activities to try together
Animal vote
Each person argues for one animal, then vote.
Food web
Draw a food web with string connecting animals and plants.
Free printables: The Most Important Animal of All 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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- Age
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- Best for
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- Age
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- Best for
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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.