Yokki and the Parno Gry: questions to ask and activities to try
When times are hard, Yokki lifts his family's spirits with stories of a magical white horse. Yokki and the Parno Gry is a Traveller folk tale about hope and the power of storytelling.
What age is it for? Yokki and the Parno Gry is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Hope, storytelling and Traveller culture.
Yokki and the Parno Gry (Richard O'Neill and Katharine Quarmby)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Hope, storytelling and Traveller culture
Read it and talk about how Yokki's stories helped when things were hard. It's a lovely introduction to Romani and Traveller culture.
What it helps with
- Hope in hard times
- The power of stories
- Romani and Traveller culture
- Imagination and creativity
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 was happening to Yokki’s family?”
- “What stories did Yokki tell?”
- “What is the Parno Gry?”
- “How did the stories help?”
- “What story makes you feel better?”
- “What’s special about Yokki’s family life?”
5-minute activities to try together
Hope story
Make up a story about a magical animal that helps your family.
Draw the horse
Draw the Parno Gry, the white horse, galloping across the sky.
Free printables: Yokki and the Parno Gry 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
Pattan's Pumpkin (Chitra Soundar and Frané Lessac)
- Best for
- Caring for living things, and a flood tale from India
- Age
- 3-7
The Leopard's Drum (Jessica Souhami)
- Best for
- Being small, clever and brave
- Age
- 3-7
How to Catch a Star (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Big dreams, trying again, and finding them in unexpected places
- Age
- 3-7
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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.