Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do?: questions to ask and activities to try
Pip doesn't know what he wants to do, so he tries what the other birds do. Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do? is a charming story about trying things out and finding the thing that's yours.
What age is it for? Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do? is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Finding what you're good at, and being yourself.
Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do? (Kate McLelland)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Finding what you're good at, and being yourself
Read it slowly and talk about each bird's special skill. Afterwards, ask your child what they think they're good at, and something they'd like to try next.
What it helps with
- Not knowing what you're good at yet
- Trying new things without worrying about being best
- Being yourself instead of copying others
- Noticing everyone's different strengths
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 did Pip want to find out?”
- “What did he try with Heron, Owl and Pigeon?”
- “Why didn’t those things work for him?”
- “What was Pip best at?”
- “What are you good at?”
- “What would you like to try next?”
5-minute activities to try together
Try three things
Pick three small new things to try this week, like whistling, drawing a bird or a new game. Which felt most like you?
Bird song
Listen to birds outside, or online, and try to copy a blackbird's song together.
Free printables: Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do? 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
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
Elmer (David McKee)
- Best for
- Children who feel different or want to fit in
- Age
- 2-6
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- 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.