Big Brilliant World: questions to ask and activities to try
Pack your bags for a trip to 12 cities around the world. Big Brilliant World is a bright, busy book of places to explore and first words in new languages.
What age is it for? Big Brilliant World is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Exploring the world's cities, and first words in other languages.
Big Brilliant World (Matt Ralphs and Aysha Tengiz)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Exploring the world's cities, and first words in other languages
Don't read it cover to cover: pick a city, pore over the picture and try saying hello in that language. Find each city on a map or globe.
What it helps with
- Curiosity about the wider world
- First words in other languages
- Spotting and naming details
- Talking about places family come from or have visited
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.
- “Which city did we visit first?”
- “How do you say hello there?”
- “What can you spot in the picture?”
- “Which city looked most exciting?”
- “Where would you go first?”
- “Does anyone we know live in another country?”
5-minute activities to try together
Map hunt
Find each city on a map or globe and stick a little note on it.
Hello game
Learn to say hello in three languages and greet each other at breakfast.
Free printables: Big Brilliant World 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
To Market! To Market! (Anushka Ravishankar and Emanuele Scanziani)
- Best for
- Nonsense rhyme, and the fun of a busy market
- Age
- 3-7
Astro Girl (Ken Wilson-Max)
- Best for
- Dreaming big, and girls who love space
- Age
- 3-6
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.