Anna Hibiscus: questions to ask and activities to try
Anna Hibiscus lives in amazing Africa with lots and lots of family. Anna Hibiscus is a warm first chapter book of four stories about family life in West Africa.
What age is it for? Anna Hibiscus is best for ages 6–9. Good for: Big family life in West Africa, in a first chapter book.
Anna Hibiscus (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- Big family life in West Africa, in a first chapter book
Read one story a night. Talk about Anna's big family and what's the same and different from yours.
What it helps with
- Big family life
- Life in West Africa
- Patience and dreams
- Moving on to 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 lives in Anna’s house?”
- “What did she do at the beach?”
- “Why did she sell oranges?”
- “What did she dream of seeing?”
- “How is her family like ours?”
- “What’s different?”
5-minute activities to try together
Family count
Count everyone in your extended family and draw them all.
Orange stall
Set up a pretend stall and sell oranges (or toys).
Free printables: Anna Hibiscus 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
Splash, Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- Wanting someone to play with you
- Age
- 3-7
Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out
- Age
- 3-7
Handa's Surprise (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise
- Age
- 2-6
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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.