Ice Palace: questions to ask and activities to try
Starjik, King of Winter, steals Ivan's little brother. Ice Palace is a classic short novel about a brave journey through the cold.
What age is it for? Ice Palace is best for ages 7–9. Good for: A brave journey to rescue a little brother.
Ice Palace (Robert Swindells)
- Age
- 7-9
- Best for
- A brave journey to rescue a little brother
Read it over a few nights. Talk about what kept Ivan going.
What it helps with
- Courage
- Love for siblings
- Winter and survival
- Classic short novels
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.
- “Where does Ivan live?”
- “Who is Starjik?”
- “What did he steal?”
- “What was hard on the journey?”
- “How did Ivan win?”
- “What would you do for your family?”
5-minute activities to try together
Winter map
Draw Ivan's route to the Ice Palace.
Ice experiment
Freeze water with a toy inside and watch it melt.
Free printables: Ice Palace 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
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
- Age
- 8-11
Pugs of the Frozen North (Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre)
- Best for
- A race to the top of the world, pulled by pugs
- Age
- 7-10
The Firework-Maker's Daughter (Philip Pullman and Peter Bailey)
- Best for
- Following your dream, and what courage really means
- Age
- 7-10
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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.