George and Tao: questions to ask and activities to try
A puppy and a new kitten become best friends, until George gets too excited. George and Tao is a tiny, tender book about gentle play and making up.
What age is it for? George and Tao is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Playing gently, and making up after getting too excited.
George and Tao (Claude K. Dubois)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Playing gently, and making up after getting too excited
Read it quietly and look at the animals' faces. Talk about playing gently with someone smaller, like a pet or a younger sibling.
What it helps with
- Gentle play with pets or little ones
- Getting over-excited
- Saying sorry and making up
- New arrivals at home
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 at George’s house?”
- “How did they make friends?”
- “What happened when George got too excited?”
- “How did Tao feel?”
- “How did they make up?”
- “How do you play gently?”
5-minute activities to try together
Gentle hands
Practise gentle stroking with a soft toy, then with a pet if you have one.
Calm down count
When play gets too wild, practise stopping and counting to five together.
Free printables: George and Tao 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
Lulu Gets a Cat (Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw)
- Best for
- Getting a pet, and learning to look after it
- Age
- 2-6
Our Very Own Dog (Amanda McCardie and Salvatore Rubbino)
- Best for
- Getting a pet, and how to care for it
- Age
- 3-7
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Martine Agassi)
- Best for
- Talking about safer hands during conflict
- 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.