The Spy Who Loved School Dinners: questions to ask and activities to try
The new girl loves school dinners, so she must be a spy! The Spy Who Loved School Dinners is a Blue Peter Award-winning funny school story.
What age is it for? The Spy Who Loved School Dinners is best for ages 7–10. Good for: Is the new girl a spy?.
The Spy Who Loved School Dinners (Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- Is the new girl a spy?
Read it and enjoy the wild theories. Talk about jumping to conclusions about new people.
What it helps with
- Welcoming someone new
- Jumping to conclusions
- Friendship
- Humour
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 is Matilde?”
- “What does she love?”
- “Why did Izzy think she was a spy?”
- “What clues did they find?”
- “Was she a spy?”
- “Have you guessed wrong about someone?”
5-minute activities to try together
Spy theories
Write the silliest spy theory about a family member.
Welcome guide
Write a guide for a new child at school.
Free printables: The Spy Who Loved School Dinners 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
Wigglesbottom Primary: The Toilet Ghost (Pamela Butchart and Becka Moor)
- Best for
- Laugh-out-loud school stories
- Age
- 5-8
Anisha, Accidental Detective (Serena Patel and Emma McCann)
- Best for
- A wedding, a kidnapping and an accidental detective
- Age
- 7-10
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. (Jen Carney)
- Best for
- Friendship, school and family in a funny diary
- 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.