Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus!: questions to ask and activities to try
Anna Hibiscus has two new baby brothers, and suddenly everyone is too busy for her. Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! is a warm, funny story about becoming a big sister and feeling left out.
What age is it for? Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out.
Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out
Read it before or after a new baby arrives. Pause when Anna feels forgotten and ask how she feels. The ending gives a lovely chance to talk about what big siblings are special for.
What it helps with
- Becoming a big brother or sister
- Feeling left out when a baby arrives
- Big families and busy grown-ups
- Finding your special place again
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 arrived in Anna’s family?”
- “What was everyone busy doing?”
- “How did Anna feel?”
- “What did Anna do?”
- “How did her family show they still loved her?”
- “What can a big brother or sister do that a baby can’t?”
5-minute activities to try together
Big sibling jobs
Make a list of special jobs a big brother or sister can do, like choosing the bedtime story for the baby.
Just us time
Plan ten minutes of one-to-one time with your older child this week, and let them choose what you do.
Free printables: Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! 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
15 Things Not To Do With a Baby (Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling)
- Best for
- Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister
- Age
- 3-6
Anna Hibiscus' Song (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- Big happy feelings, and how to let them out
- Age
- 3-7
Avocado Baby (John Burningham)
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and the fun of being strong
- Age
- 3-6
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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.