Chocolate Cake: questions to ask and activities to try
Michael creeps downstairs at night for just a little bit of chocolate cake. Chocolate Cake is Michael Rosen's famously funny poem about temptation, sneaking and getting found out.
What age is it for? Chocolate Cake is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Temptation, sneaking and being found out.
Chocolate Cake (Michael Rosen and Kevin Waldron)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Temptation, sneaking and being found out
Perform it with all the silly noises. Afterwards, ask your child what Michael should have done, and whether they've ever been tempted.
What it helps with
- Temptation and self-control
- Honesty and owning up
- Funny performance poetry
- Family memories
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 Michael’s favourite treat?”
- “Why did he go downstairs?”
- “How much did he eat?”
- “What happened in the morning?”
- “What should he have done?”
- “What treat tempts you most?”
5-minute activities to try together
Silly noises
Read it again and make all the noises louder.
Bake it
Bake a small chocolate cake together and share it fairly.
Free printables: Chocolate Cake 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
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Keeping going when something is hard, and facing fears together
- Age
- 2-6
A Great Big Cuddle (Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell)
- Best for
- Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings
- Age
- 0-5
I Am Hungry (Michael Rosen and Robert Starling)
- Best for
- Hungry moods, and a very silly squirrel
- Age
- 2-5
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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.