Abigail: questions to ask and activities to try
Abigail loves counting, but her friends just won't keep still. Abigail is a beautiful story about frustration, patience and finding a calmer way to do the thing you love.
What age is it for? Abigail is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way.
Abigail (Catherine Rayner)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way
Count along with Abigail on each page. Pause when she gets frustrated and ask what she could try instead. The night-sky ending is a lovely, calm place to stop before bed.
What it helps with
- Getting frustrated when things won't go your way
- Finding another way to solve a problem
- Counting, for young learners
- Calming down before bed
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 does Abigail love to do?”
- “Why couldn’t she count the spots and stripes?”
- “How did Abigail feel?”
- “What did she count in the end?”
- “What makes you feel frustrated?”
- “What helps you calm down and try again?”
5-minute activities to try together
Count the stars
Draw a night sky with lots of dots. Count them slowly together, touching each one.
Keep still counting
Take turns standing still while the other counts something about you, like buttons or freckles. Then swap, and try to wiggle!
Free printables: Abigail 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
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
Augustus and His Smile (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help
- Age
- 3-6
Peace at Last (Jill Murphy)
- Best for
- Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong
- Age
- 2-5
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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.