Ocean & surprise

Island: questions to ask and activities to try

A family is shipwrecked on an island that isn't quite what it seems. Island is a colourful picture book with a surprising twist.

What age is it for? Island is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A shipwreck, an island and a big surprise.

Cover of Island by Mark Janssen

Island (Mark Janssen)

Age
3-7
Best for
A shipwreck, an island and a big surprise

Want your own copy? Check today’s price, or print the questions to keep next to the book.

See it on Amazon →
How to use it

Look closely at the island on each page. See if your child guesses the twist before the end.

What it helps with

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.

  1. “What happened to the family?”
  2. “What was on the island?”
  3. “What clues did you spot?”
  4. “What was the island really?”
  5. “How did they get home?”
  6. “Where would you like to be shipwrecked?”

5-minute activities to try together

Island clues

Draw an island with a secret and hidden clues.

Sea creatures

Name the sea creatures you spot.

Want your own copy? Check today’s price, or print the questions to keep next to the book.

See it on Amazon →

If your child liked this, try

Cover of Flotsam by David Wiesner

Flotsam (David Wiesner)

Best for
A wordless mystery from the bottom of the sea
Age
5-9
Cover of The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer

The Big Book of the Blue (Yuval Zommer)

Best for
Answers to fishy questions about sea creatures
Age
4-8
Cover of Under the Ocean by Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud

Under the Ocean (Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud)

Best for
A pop-up journey around the world's oceans
Age
3-7

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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.