Mister Magnolia: questions to ask and activities to try
Mr Magnolia has a trumpet, a happy life, and only one boot. Mister Magnolia is a classic, exuberant rhyming book that's a joy to read aloud.
What age is it for? Mister Magnolia is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Rhyme, silliness and wanting something you don't have.
Mister Magnolia (Quentin Blake)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Rhyme, silliness and wanting something you don't have
Read it with lots of rhythm and let your child shout “only one boot!” each time. Ask what else rhymes with boot as you go.
What it helps with
- Rhyme and rhythm for early reading
- Joining in with a repeated line
- Being happy with what you have
- Spotting funny details in pictures
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 Mr Magnolia have?”
- “What was missing?”
- “Which rhymes did you like?”
- “What came in the parcel?”
- “What rhymes with boot?”
- “Is there something you wish you had?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rhyme hunt
Find everything in the house that rhymes with boot: fruit, suit, flute...
One boot
Draw Mr Magnolia with something silly missing, like one sock or one glove.
Free printables: Mister Magnolia 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
All Join In (Quentin Blake)
- Best for
- Joining in, making noise together, and having fun with words
- Age
- 3-7
Oi Frog! (Kes Gray and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Rhyming fun, and talking about rules and speaking up
- Age
- 3-6
Down the Back of the Chair (Margaret Mahy and Polly Dunbar)
- Best for
- Imagination, rhyme and a family that works things out
- Age
- 3-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.