Elen's Island: questions to ask and activities to try
Elen is sent to stay on a tiny island with a gran she hardly knows. Elen's Island is a gentle adventure about family, nature and change.
What age is it for? Elen's Island is best for ages 7–10. Good for: A summer on a tiny island with a grandmother she hardly knows.
Elen's Island (Eloise Williams)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- A summer on a tiny island with a grandmother she hardly knows
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about how Elen's feelings about Gran change.
What it helps with
- Spending time with grandparents
- Nature and wildlife
- Change and new places
- 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.
- “Why was Elen sent away?”
- “What’s Gran like?”
- “What did Gran give her?”
- “Who did she meet?”
- “How did things change?”
- “What would you explore on an island?”
5-minute activities to try together
Island map
Draw a map of an imaginary island with secret places.
Puffin facts
Find out about puffins and where they nest.
Free printables: Elen's Island 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
Polly and the Puffin (Jenny Colgan and Thomas Docherty)
- Best for
- Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go
- Age
- 5-7
Katie Morag's Island Stories (Mairi Hedderwick)
- Best for
- Island life, family and mischief
- Age
- 3-7
Grandad's Camper (Harry Woodgate)
- Best for
- A grandad's love story, grief and new adventures
- Age
- 4-8
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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.