This Book Just Ate My Dog!: questions to ask and activities to try
Bella's dog has just vanished into the middle of the book! This Book Just Ate My Dog! is an inventive, interactive story where the reader saves the day.
What age is it for? This Book Just Ate My Dog! is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A book that swallows things, and readers who help.
This Book Just Ate My Dog! (Richard Byrne)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A book that swallows things, and readers who help
Do exactly what Bella asks, and enjoy your child's face when it works. It's great for showing how books can play with their own pages.
What it helps with
- Interactive reading
- Problem solving
- How books work
- Humour and surprise
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 happened to Bella’s dog?”
- “Who tried to help?”
- “What happened to them?”
- “How did we help?”
- “Where do you think they went?”
- “What else could a book eat?”
5-minute activities to try together
Book gutter
Make a small paper book and draw something falling into the middle.
Help the story
Next time a story character needs help, ask your child what they'd do.
Free printables: This Book Just Ate My Dog! 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
Press Here (Hervé Tullet)
- Best for
- Following instructions, and the magic of an interactive book
- Age
- 2-6
It's Only Stanley (Jon Agee)
- Best for
- Spotting what's really going on in a funny rhyme
- Age
- 3-7
Where Is the Dragon? (Leo Timmers)
- Best for
- Scary shapes in the dark, and a clever hidden dragon
- Age
- 3-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.