Mr Big: questions to ask and activities to try
Mr Big looks scary, so nobody sticks around, but inside he's a big softy. Mr Big is a warm story about loneliness, music and not judging people by how they look.
What age is it for? Mr Big is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Looking scary on the outside, and being lonely.
Read it gently and talk about how Mr Big feels. Ask your child how we can get to know people before deciding what they're like.
What it helps with
- Not judging by appearances
- Loneliness
- Finding your thing (music!)
- Making friends
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 Big look like?”
- “Why did people run away?”
- “How did he feel?”
- “What did he love doing?”
- “How did he make friends?”
- “How can we get to know someone new?”
5-minute activities to try together
Inside and out
Draw someone's outside on one side of paper and what they're like inside on the other.
Make music
Make music together with pots and spoons, like Mr Big's band.
Free printables: Mr Big 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
Hello, Friend! (Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants
- Age
- 3-6
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
The Pirate Tree (Brigita Orel and Jennie Poh)
- Best for
- Making friends with someone new through play
- 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.