Charlie Changes Into a Chicken: questions to ask and activities to try
Charlie changes into animals whenever he's worried, and he has lots to worry about. Charlie Changes Into a Chicken is a funny, warm story about anxiety.
What age is it for? Charlie Changes Into a Chicken is best for ages 7–10. Good for: Worries that make you change into animals.
Charlie Changes Into a Chicken (Sam Copeland and Sarah Horne)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- Worries that make you change into animals
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about what Charlie worries about and what helps him.
What it helps with
- Anxiety and worry
- A sibling in hospital
- Friendship
- Humour
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 can Charlie do?”
- “When does it happen?”
- “What is he worried about?”
- “Who helps him?”
- “What animal would you change into?”
- “What helps your worries?”
5-minute activities to try together
Worry animal
Draw the animal your worry would turn you into.
Calm plan
Make a list of things that calm worries.
Free printables: Charlie Changes Into a Chicken 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
The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend (Jion Sheibani)
- Best for
- Worries that come to life
- Age
- 6-9
Milton the Mighty (Emma Read)
- Best for
- A worried spider who becomes a warrior
- Age
- 7-9
Ruby’s Worry (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- A child whose worry grows while they keep it to themselves
- Age
- 4-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.