Lights on Cotton Rock: questions to ask and activities to try
Emmy has always wanted to fly away with aliens, and one night she does. Lights on Cotton Rock is a magical picture book about family and belonging.
What age is it for? Lights on Cotton Rock is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Wishing to be somewhere else, and realising what you have.
Lights on Cotton Rock (David Litchfield)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Wishing to be somewhere else, and realising what you have
Read it and pause when Emmy leaves. Ask your child what she might miss, and what they would miss.
What it helps with
- Wanting adventure
- Family and home
- Missing people
- Belonging
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.
- “What did Emmy want?”
- “Who came to Cotton Rock?”
- “How did she feel at first?”
- “What did she miss?”
- “How did it end?”
- “What would you miss if you went to space?”
5-minute activities to try together
Spaceship
Build a spaceship from boxes. What would you take?
Home list
List the things that make home special.
Free printables: Lights on Cotton Rock 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
Here We Are (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- A guide to life on planet Earth
- Age
- 2-7
The Way Back Home (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Problem solving, and helping someone in the same trouble
- Age
- 3-7
Man on the Moon (Simon Bartram)
- Best for
- A day on the moon, and the aliens Bob never notices
- 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.