The Scarecrows' Wedding: questions to ask and activities to try

Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay are planning their wedding, but while Harry is away collecting everything they need, smooth Reginald Rake moves in. A funny Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler story about loyalty and teamwork.

What age is The Scarecrows' Wedding for?

The Scarecrows' Wedding is best for ages 3–6.

The Scarecrows' Wedding (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)

Age

3-6

Best for

Teamwork, loyalty and being a real friend

See this book →

Only 50pThe Scarecrows’ Wedding activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF. See the sheet →

Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓

What it helps with

• Teamwork
• Loyalty
• Showing off versus being kind
• Planning together

Comprehension and discussion questions for The Scarecrows' Wedding

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.

1. “What did Betty and Harry need for their wedding?”
2. “Who helped them find everything?”
3. “What was Reginald Rake like?”
4. “How did Harry show he was a true friend?”
5. “What would you need for a party?”
6. “Is it better to be flashy or kind? Why?”

For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.

5-minute activities to try together

The Scarecrows' Wedding activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions

All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.

• Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
• Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
• Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas

Buy the sheet for 50p

1. Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
2. Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
3. Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.

🛒 Shop · £4.99Best valueFriendship & Kindness bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:The Smartest Giant in TownSuperwormThe Day the Crayons QuitOi Frog!A Splendid Friend, IndeedAaaarrgghh, Spider!Big Box Little BoxBiscuit BearBlue ChameleonBlue PenguinColin and Lee, Carrot and PeaHanda's SurpriseHappy Birthday, MaisyHello, Friend!Iris and Isaac33p a sheet£4.99 instead of £7.50 bought separately Save 33%Buy all 15 for £4.99🛒 Shop · £1.253 sheets for £1.25The Scarecrows’ Wedding + The Smartest Giant in Town + SuperwormThe 3 books:The Scarecrows’ WeddingThe Smartest Giant in TownSuperwormThree activity sheets · 42p a sheet£1.25 instead of £1.50 bought separately Save 17%Buy all 3 for £1.25

Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →

Priced low on purpose. Every purchase helps keep the book guides, questions and the game free for everyone.

No PayPal account needed. Your download starts straight away. By buying, you agree to this and give up the 14-day right to cancel. Faulty or missing files are always replaced or refunded. Refunds

Use it as a lesson plan

A 20-minute session for ages 3–6 (nursery to Year 1), for a class, a small group or one child at home.

1. Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
2. Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Make a list together of the things Betty and Harry need for their wedding as you read. Talk about the difference between Reginald Rake and Harry.
3. Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What did Betty and Harry need for their wedding?” works well to start.
4. Activity (6 minutes). Do Wedding list. Make a list for a toys’ wedding or party, then go round the house collecting everything on it. Children who finish early can try Scarecrow friends.
5. Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.

Want to go further? The The Scarecrows' Wedding activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.

If your child liked this, try

Stick Man (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)

Best for

Missing home or family, and being away from people you love

Age

3-6

See it on Amazon →Why we chose it →

What the Ladybird Heard (Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks)

Best for

Being small, quiet and clever

Age

2-6

See it on Amazon →Why we chose it →

Room on the Broom (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)

Best for

Making room for others, and friends who stick together

Age

3-6

See it on Amazon →Why we chose it →

Search all our books by what's happening →

By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 29 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.