If All the World Were...: questions to ask and activities to try
A girl's adventures with her granddad, and how she remembers him when he's gone. If All the World Were... is a lyrical, uplifting book about love and grief.
What age is it for? If All the World Were... is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Losing a grandparent, and remembering.
If All the World Were... (Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Losing a grandparent, and remembering
Read it gently when your child is ready. Afterwards, talk about a happy memory of someone you love.
What it helps with
- Grief and losing a grandparent
- Happy memories
- Love across generations
- Writing and drawing as comfort
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 the girl do with Granddad?”
- “What happened to him?”
- “How did she feel?”
- “What did she find?”
- “How did she remember him?”
- “What memory would you keep?”
5-minute activities to try together
Memory book
Make a small book of drawings and memories of someone special.
If all the world were
Finish the sentence: If all the world were... together.
Free printables: If All the World Were... 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
Badger's Parting Gifts (Susan Varley)
- Best for
- Death, grief and remembering someone you love
- Age
- 4-8
Dadaji's Paintbrush (Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane)
- Best for
- Losing a grandparent, and finding a way forward
- Age
- 4-8
A Great Big Cuddle (Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell)
- Best for
- Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings
- Age
- 0-5
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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.