Billy and the Beast: questions to ask and activities to try
A Terrible Beast is making soup out of Billy's friends, but brave Billy has a plan. Billy and the Beast is a funny story about a quick-thinking heroine who saves the day.
What age is it for? Billy and the Beast is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Being brave and quick-thinking to help your friends.
Billy and the Beast (Nadia Shireen)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Being brave and quick-thinking to help your friends
Use a big, grumbly voice for the Beast. Pause before Billy's trick and ask your child what they'd do to save the animals.
What it helps with
- Bravery and standing up for friends
- Quick thinking and problem solving
- Girls as heroes
- Funny, not-too-scary villains
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.
- “Where were Billy and Fatcat going?”
- “What did they hear?”
- “What was the Beast doing?”
- “What was Billy’s trick?”
- “How did the friends feel at the end?”
- “How would you have stopped the Beast?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rescue plan
Put toy animals in a “soup pot” and plan a trick to rescue them.
Hair tricks
Imagine what Billy might keep in her hair next time, and draw it.
Free printables: Billy and the Beast 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 Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
What the Ladybird Heard (Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks)
- Best for
- Being small, quiet and clever
- Age
- 2-6
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share
- 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.