Extra Yarn: questions to ask and activities to try
Annabelle finds a box of yarn that never runs out, so she knits for her whole cold, grey town. Extra Yarn is a gentle book about kindness, sharing and saying no when it matters.
What age is it for? Extra Yarn is best for ages 4–7. Good for: Kindness and sharing, and saying no when it matters.
Extra Yarn (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- Kindness and sharing, and saying no when it matters
Watch the town change colour as Annabelle knits. Talk about why she wouldn’t sell the box, and what she did with it instead.
What it helps with
- Kindness and generosity
- Sharing what you have
- Standing up for yourself
- Noticing how kindness spreads
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 did Annabelle find in the box?”
- “Who did she knit for?”
- “How did the town change?”
- “Why didn’t she sell the box to the archduke?”
- “What could you share that would make someone happy?”
- “How do you feel when someone is kind to you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Wool wrap
Wrap wool or string around a stick, a toy or a chair leg to make a colourful “jumper” for it.
Kindness chain
Make a paper chain and add a link each time someone in the family does something kind this week.
Free printables: Extra Yarn 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
I Want My Hat Back (Jon Klassen)
- Best for
- Reading between the lines, and a very funny ending
- Age
- 3-7
The Day the Crayons Quit (Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Seeing things from someone else's point of view
- Age
- 3-7
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 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.