The Waking Wood: questions to ask and activities to try
An ancient oak has been home to a badger family for generations. The Waking Wood is a gentle fable with intricate papercut pages about family, growth and the woods.
What age is it for? The Waking Wood is best for ages 4–7. Good for: Family, growing up and the life of a wood.
The Waking Wood (Alexi Francis)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- Family, growing up and the life of a wood
Look closely at the papercut pages. Afterwards, go for a walk in the woods and look for signs of badgers and other animals.
What it helps with
- Woodland animals
- Family through generations
- Growing up and adventure
- Exploring outdoors
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 lived in the oak?”
- “How long had they lived there?”
- “What adventure happened?”
- “What changed?”
- “Which woodland animals live near us?”
- “What would you explore in a wood?”
5-minute activities to try together
Wood walk
Look for animal tracks, holes and nests in a wood or park.
Papercut tree
Fold and cut paper to make a tree with animals hiding in it.
Free printables: The Waking Wood 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Happy Hedgerow (Elena Mannion and Erin Brown)
- Best for
- Hedgerows, wildlife and caring for the countryside
- Age
- 4-8
The Tree (Neal Layton)
- Best for
- Sharing the world with wildlife
- Age
- 3-7
A First Book of Nature (Nicola Davies and Mark Hearld)
- Best for
- A first taste of nature, season by season
- Age
- 3-8
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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.