Tilly and the Time Machine: questions to ask and activities to try
Tilly's dad builds a time machine and gets lost in the past. Tilly and the Time Machine is a colourful, funny time-travel adventure.
What age is it for? Tilly and the Time Machine is best for ages 6–9. Good for: A time machine and a dad lost in the past.
Tilly and the Time Machine (Adrian Edmondson and Danny Noble)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- A time machine and a dad lost in the past
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about which day from the past you'd visit.
What it helps with
- Family love
- Adventure and history
- Bravery
- Illustrated chapter books
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 built the time machine?”
- “Where did he go?”
- “What went wrong?”
- “How did Tilly find him?”
- “Which time did she visit?”
- “Which day would you go back to?”
5-minute activities to try together
Time machine
Design a time machine from a cardboard box.
Best day
Write about the day you'd most like to visit again.
Free printables: Tilly and the Time Machine 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
Cakes in Space (Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre)
- Best for
- A space adventure with very dangerous cakes
- Age
- 6-9
The Wizard in My Shed (Simon Farnaby and Claire Powell)
- Best for
- A wizard from the Dark Ages living in the shed
- Age
- 7-10
Leon and the Place Between (Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith)
- Best for
- Proving magic is real
- Age
- 5-9
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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.