Beneath: questions to ask and activities to try
Finn is in a horrible mood, so Grandpa takes him for a walk. Beneath is a gentle story about the feelings we hide beneath the surface, from the author of The Rabbit Listened.
What age is it for? Beneath is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Feelings hidden beneath the surface.
Read it slowly and look for what's beneath each thing on the walk. Afterwards, ask gently what might be beneath your child's mood when they're cross.
What it helps with
- Bad moods and what's underneath them
- Talking about hidden feelings
- Time in nature with grandparents
- Listening without pushing
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 Finn in a bad mood?”
- “Where did Grandpa take him?”
- “What did they find beneath things?”
- “What did Grandpa say about feelings?”
- “What might be beneath a bad mood?”
- “Who do you talk to when you’re upset?”
5-minute activities to try together
Beneath walk
Go for a walk and look underneath things: stones, leaves, logs. What's hiding there?
Feelings layers
Draw a face on top and the hidden feeling underneath, like a cross face hiding a sad one.
Free printables: Beneath 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 Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
Augustus and His Smile (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help
- Age
- 3-6
Fly Boy (JJ Bola and Clara Anganuzzi)
- Best for
- Anger, sadness and being understood
- Age
- 4-8
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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.