Bad Panda: questions to ask and activities to try
Lin the panda is sick of being adorable. Bad Panda is a hilarious illustrated story about being who you really are.
What age is it for? Bad Panda is best for ages 6–9. Good for: Being fed up with being cute.
Bad Panda (Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- Being fed up with being cute
Read it with a grumpy panda voice. Talk about times people expect your child to be a certain way.
What it helps with
- Being yourself
- Other people's expectations
- Humour
- Early 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.
- “What was Lin fed up with?”
- “What did she try?”
- “Did being bad work?”
- “How did she feel?”
- “What do people expect you to be?”
- “What are you really like?”
5-minute activities to try together
Not cute
Draw a cute animal being fierce or grumpy.
Real me
List three things people don't know about your child.
Free printables: Bad Panda 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 Midnight Panther (Poonam Mistry)
- Best for
- Feeling different, and finding your place
- Age
- 4-8
I Am a Tiger (Karl Newson and Ross Collins)
- Best for
- A little mouse with very big confidence
- 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.