Ish: questions to ask and activities to try
Ramon stops drawing because his pictures don't look right. Ish is a short, warm story for children who think if it isn't perfect, it isn't worth doing.
What age is it for? Ish is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Children who give up because their work isn't 'right'.
Ish (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Children who give up because their work isn't 'right'
Read it with paper and crayons nearby. After the story, try drawing something “ish” together. It's a good one to return to when your child screws up a drawing.
What it helps with
- Giving up because work doesn't look “right”
- Feeling hurt when someone laughs at your work
- Enjoying making things without needing them perfect
- Older siblings learning how their words land
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 Ramon stop drawing?”
- “How did his brother’s laugh make him feel?”
- “What did his sister do with his drawings?”
- “What does “ish” mean?”
- “Is there something you stopped doing because it wasn’t perfect?”
- “What could you make that’s “ish”?”
5-minute activities to try together
Ish gallery
Each draw three quick “ish” pictures, like a house-ish house. Stick them on the wall with titles.
Kind words
Talk about what to say when someone shows you their drawing. Practise one kind thing to say.
Free printables: Ish 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 Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
The Book of Mistakes (Corinna Luyken)
- Best for
- Children who get upset or give up when something goes wrong
- Age
- 4-8
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes (Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein)
- Best for
- Fear of mistakes, perfectionism and trying new things
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 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.