Anna Hibiscus' Song: questions to ask and activities to try
Anna Hibiscus is so happy she might explode! Anna Hibiscus' Song is a joyful story about big happy feelings, a loving family in Africa, and finding your own way to let joy out.
What age is it for? Anna Hibiscus' Song is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Big happy feelings, and how to let them out.
Anna Hibiscus' Song (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Big happy feelings, and how to let them out
Read it slowly and enjoy the bright pictures of Anna's big family. Ask your child how each person shows they are happy. It's a lovely reminder that big feelings aren't only the hard ones.
What it helps with
- Big happy feelings, not just hard ones
- Finding your own way to show how you feel
- Big families and the people who love us
- Life in Africa, through a warm everyday story
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.
- “How did Anna Hibiscus feel?”
- “What did her family suggest she do?”
- “What did Anna do in the end?”
- “How do you show you’re happy?”
- “Who is in your family?”
- “What would your happy song be about?”
5-minute activities to try together
Happy song
Make up a short song about something that makes your child happy, using a tune you both know.
Happy ways
Ask each person in the family how they show they're happy. Draw them all doing it.
Free printables: Anna Hibiscus' Song 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
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
A Great Big Cuddle (Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell)
- Best for
- Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings
- Age
- 0-5
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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.