Captain Toby: questions to ask and activities to try
On a stormy night, Toby's house becomes a ship and he sets sail. Captain Toby is a wild, imaginative adventure about feeling brave at night.
What age is it for? Captain Toby is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A stormy night, and an imaginary sea adventure.
Captain Toby (Satoshi Kitamura)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A stormy night, and an imaginary sea adventure
Read it on a windy night or at bedtime. Talk about how imagination can turn scary noises into an adventure.
What it helps with
- Storms and night-time noises
- Imagination as a way to feel brave
- Adventure and play
- Bedtime
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 the weather like?”
- “What did the house become?”
- “Who did Toby fight?”
- “How did he feel?”
- “What do you hear on stormy nights?”
- “What would your bed become?”
5-minute activities to try together
Bed boat
Turn the bed into a boat with a pillow sail and go on a journey.
Storm sounds
Make storm sounds together, then make them calm and quiet.
Free printables: Captain Toby 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 Smile Shop (Satoshi Kitamura)
- Best for
- Losing something, and finding kindness is worth more than money
- Age
- 3-7
The Night Pirates (Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright)
- Best for
- Adventure, bravery and girl pirates
- Age
- 3-7
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- 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.