Iris and Isaac: questions to ask and activities to try
Iris and Isaac are best friends, until they fall out and stomp off in a huff. Iris and Isaac is a beautiful story about arguments, missing a friend, and making up.
What age is it for? Iris and Isaac is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Falling out with a friend, and making up.
Iris and Isaac (Catherine Rayner)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Falling out with a friend, and making up
Read it slowly and enjoy the snowy pictures. Pause when they're apart and ask how each bear feels. It's a gentle book to read after a falling-out, once everyone has calmed down.
What it helps with
- Falling out with a friend or sibling
- Missing someone after an argument
- Saying sorry and making up
- Calming down on your own first
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 did Iris and Isaac fall out?”
- “What did they do when they were cross?”
- “What did they see on their journeys?”
- “Who did they want to share it with?”
- “How did they make up?”
- “What helps you make up with a friend?”
5-minute activities to try together
Making up steps
Agree three steps for making up: calm down, say sorry, do something nice together. Practise with toys.
Share a wonder
Go on a short walk and find one wonderful thing each to share with someone you love.
Free printables: Iris and Isaac 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
Pumpkin Soup (Helen Cooper)
- Best for
- Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends
- Age
- 3-7
A Splendid Friend, Indeed (Suzanne Bloom)
- Best for
- Making friends with someone very different from you
- Age
- 2-5
Abigail (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way
- Age
- 3-6
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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.