Augustus and His Smile: questions to ask and activities to try
Augustus the tiger has lost his smile, and he sets off to find it. Augustus and His Smile is a beautiful story about feeling sad, and noticing the simple things that bring happiness back.
What age is it for? Augustus and His Smile is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help.
Augustus and His Smile (Catherine Rayner)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help
Read it slowly and enjoy the big, beautiful pictures. Pause and ask where your child thinks the smile might be. Afterwards, talk about the small things that make them smile.
What it helps with
- Feeling sad without knowing why
- Noticing small, happy things
- Getting outside when you feel low
- Calm reading at bedtime
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.
- “Why was Augustus sad?”
- “Where did he look for his smile?”
- “What did he notice on his journey?”
- “Where did he find his smile in the end?”
- “What makes you smile?”
- “What could help you when you feel sad?”
5-minute activities to try together
Smile hunt
Go on a short walk and look for five things that make you smile. Draw them when you get home.
Mirror faces
Look in a mirror and make a sad face, then a smile. Talk about what helps change one into the other.
Free printables: Augustus and His Smile 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
The Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
Abigail (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way
- Age
- 3-6
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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.