It's a No-Money Day: questions to ask and activities to try
Today there's no money and no food in the cupboards, so Mum and her daughter visit the food bank. It's a No-Money Day is a gentle, honest picture book about poverty.
What age is it for? It's a No-Money Day is best for ages 4–8. Good for: A family visiting a food bank.
Read it gently. Talk about how the girl and Mum feel, and how food banks help people.
What it helps with
- Poverty and money worries
- Food banks
- Love in hard times
- Empathy
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 was it a no-money day?”
- “Where did they go?”
- “How did Mum feel?”
- “How did the girl feel?”
- “What good things did she notice?”
- “How can we help people who need food?”
5-minute activities to try together
Food bank donation
Choose tins to give to a local food bank.
Good things
List the good things in your day that don't cost money.
Free printables: It's a No-Money Day 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 Invisible (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- Feeling invisible, and helping others be seen
- Age
- 4-8
My Name Is Not Refugee (Kate Milner)
- Best for
- A refugee journey, with questions for the reader
- Age
- 4-8
A Bottle of Happiness (Pippa Goodhart and Ehsan Abdollahi)
- Best for
- What happiness is, and whether you can share it
- Age
- 4-8
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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.