Emily Brown and the Thing: questions to ask and activities to try
A Thing is keeping Emily Brown and Stanley awake, and it won't go to sleep. Emily Brown and the Thing is a warm, witty bedtime story for children who are afraid of the dark.
What age is it for? Emily Brown and the Thing is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Being afraid of the dark, and things that go bump in the night.
Emily Brown and the Thing (Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Being afraid of the dark, and things that go bump in the night
Read it with a torch for fun. When the Thing appears, ask your child whether they think it's scary or just needs help. The book turns a fear into a kindness, which is a great message for bedtime.
What it helps with
- Fear of the dark and night-time noises
- Seeing that scary things may just need help
- Being brave and kind at the same time
- Settling at bedtime
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 noise kept Emily Brown awake?”
- “What was the Thing?”
- “Why couldn’t the Thing sleep?”
- “How did Emily Brown help?”
- “What noises do you hear at night?”
- “What helps you feel brave in the dark?”
5-minute activities to try together
Night noises
Lie still in the dark and name the noises you hear. Decide together which friendly thing each one is.
Help the Thing
Draw your own Thing and think of three things that might help it fall asleep.
Free printables: Emily Brown and the Thing 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
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth)
- Best for
- Being scared of the dark at bedtime
- Age
- 2-6
Bedtime for Monsters (Ed Vere)
- Best for
- Bedtime fears, with a funny twist
- Age
- 3-6
Silly Billy (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Children who lie awake worrying at night
- Age
- 3-7
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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.