Lost and Found: questions to ask and activities to try
A penguin turns up at a boy's door, so the boy rows him all the way back to the South Pole. Lost and Found is a beautiful story about loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect.
What age is it for? Lost and Found is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect.
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect
Read it slowly and look at the penguin's face on each page. Before the end, ask your child what they think the penguin wants. It's a gentle way into talking about loneliness.
What it helps with
- Feeling lonely
- Noticing what someone really needs
- Unexpected friendships
- Going the extra mile for someone
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.
- “Where did the penguin turn up?”
- “Why did the boy think he was lost?”
- “How did they get to the South Pole?”
- “What did the penguin really want?”
- “How did the boy feel at the end?”
- “How can you tell if someone is lonely?”
5-minute activities to try together
Friendship voyage
Make a boat from a box and take a toy penguin on a journey around the room.
Lonely signs
Talk about how someone might look or act if they're lonely, and one thing you could do to help.
Free printables: Lost and Found 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
Blue Penguin (Petr Horáček)
- Best for
- Being different and wanting to belong
- Age
- 3-6
A Splendid Friend, Indeed (Suzanne Bloom)
- Best for
- Making friends with someone very different from you
- Age
- 2-5
Hello, Friend! (Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants
- 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.