Clarice Bean, Utterly Me: questions to ask and activities to try
Clarice Bean wishes her life were as exciting as Ruby Redfort's. Clarice Bean, Utterly Me is Lauren Child's funny first novel about family, school and a mystery.
What age is it for? Clarice Bean, Utterly Me is best for ages 6–9. Good for: A chaotic family, school and an imaginary detective.
Clarice Bean, Utterly Me (Lauren Child)
- Age
- 6-9
- Best for
- A chaotic family, school and an imaginary detective
Read a chapter at a time and enjoy Clarice's voice. Talk about her family chaos.
What it helps with
- Family life
- School friendships
- Imagination
- Chapter books
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.
- “Who is Clarice Bean?”
- “Who does she love reading about?”
- “What’s her family like?”
- “What mystery happened?”
- “How did she solve it?”
- “Who’s your favourite book character?”
5-minute activities to try together
Detective notebook
Keep a detective notebook for a day.
Family portrait
Draw your family Clarice-Bean style with speech bubbles.
Free printables: Clarice Bean, Utterly Me 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
Kate on the Case (Hannah Peck)
- Best for
- A young reporter solving a mystery
- Age
- 7-9
My Funny Family (Chris Higgins and Lee Wildish)
- Best for
- A worrier in a big, chaotic family
- Age
- 6-9
Horrid Henry (Francesca Simon and Tony Ross)
- Best for
- A very naughty boy, and laughing at bad behaviour
- Age
- 6-8
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.