If the World Were 100 People: questions to ask and activities to try
If the world were 100 people, how many would have clean water? If the World Were 100 People is a prize-winning book that makes big numbers easy to understand.
What age is it for? If the World Were 100 People is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Understanding the world's population.
If the World Were 100 People (Jackie McCann and Aaron Cushley)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Understanding the world's population
Read a page or two and use 100 dried beans or counters to show each fact.
What it helps with
- Big numbers and percentages
- Global fairness
- Diversity
- Thinking about others
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.
- “How many people are in the world?”
- “If it were 100, how many would be children?”
- “How many have clean water?”
- “What surprised you?”
- “Is it fair?”
- “What could we do?”
5-minute activities to try together
100 beans
Use 100 beans to show one fact from the book.
Our street
Count how many people live on your street, and what they have in common.
Free printables: If the World Were 100 People 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
Everybody Counts (Kristin Roskifte)
- Best for
- Counting to 7.8 billion, and everyone's story
- Age
- 4-8
This Is How We Do It (Matt Lamothe)
- Best for
- One day in the life of seven children around the world
- Age
- 4-8
We Are All Born Free (Amnesty International)
- Best for
- Human rights, explained simply
- Age
- 6-9
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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.