Howl: questions to ask and activities to try
Maggie has had a very bad day, and she feels like howling at the moon. Howl is an empowering story about big, wild feelings and finding a way to let them out.
What age is it for? Howl is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Having a terrible day and needing to let it out.
Howl (Kat Patrick and Evie Barrow)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Having a terrible day and needing to let it out
Read it with a big howl when Maggie becomes a wolf. Afterwards, talk about safe ways to let out big feelings, and try a howl together.
What it helps with
- Bad days when everything feels wrong
- Big, wild feelings
- Safe ways to let feelings out
- Being understood by a grown-up
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 Maggie having a bad day?”
- “What did she feel like doing?”
- “What happened when she howled?”
- “How did she feel afterwards?”
- “What do you do when you feel like howling?”
- “Who helps you on bad days?”
5-minute activities to try together
Howl it out
Go outside or open a window and have a big, loud howl together. How do you feel afterwards?
Wrong things list
Make a silly list of everything that was “wrong” today, and laugh about it together.
Free printables: Howl 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
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz)
- Best for
- A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair
- Age
- 4-8
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- 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.