A River: questions to ask and activities to try
There is a river outside my window. A River follows it on an imaginary journey from the city to the sea.
What age is it for? A River is best for ages 4–8. Good for: An imaginary journey down a river to the sea.
Read it slowly and talk about each landscape. Find a real river near you on a map and trace where it goes.
What it helps with
- Rivers and geography
- Landscapes
- Imagination
- Calm reading
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.
- “Where does the river start?”
- “What did it pass?”
- “Which landscape was your favourite?”
- “Where does it end?”
- “Is there a river near us?”
- “Where would your river take you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Map a river
Trace a real river on a map from source to sea.
Paper boat
Float a paper boat on a stream or in the bath.
Free printables: A River 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
Hey, Water! (Antoinette Portis)
- Best for
- Spotting water everywhere, from rain to tears
- Age
- 3-7
Under the Ocean (Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud)
- Best for
- A pop-up journey around the world's oceans
- Age
- 3-7
The Big Journey (Michael Rosen and Daniel Egnéus)
- Best for
- A long journey to a new home
- 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.