Mr Rabbit and the Lovely Present: questions to ask and activities to try
A little girl and Mr Rabbit hunt for the perfect birthday present. Mr Rabbit and the Lovely Present is a gentle classic about colours, giving and thinking of someone else.
What age is it for? Mr Rabbit and the Lovely Present is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Colours, and choosing a thoughtful present.
Mr Rabbit and the Lovely Present (Charlotte Zolotow and Maurice Sendak)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Colours, and choosing a thoughtful present
Read it slowly and name each colour together. Afterwards, talk about what the girl's mother likes, and what present your child would make for someone they love.
What it helps with
- Learning colours
- Thinking about what someone else would like
- Giving and kindness
- Gentle conversation and patience
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.
- “Who was the present for?”
- “What colours did she like?”
- “Which red things did they think of?”
- “What did they choose in the end?”
- “What present would you give your grown-up?”
- “What’s your favourite colour?”
5-minute activities to try together
Colour basket
Make a little basket of fruit in different colours, like the girl did, for someone in the family.
Colour hunt
Choose a colour and find five things that colour around the house.
Free printables: Mr Rabbit and the Lovely Present 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
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Colours, animals and joining in with repeated words
- Age
- 0-4
Handa's Surprise (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise
- Age
- 2-6
Blue Chameleon (Emily Gravett)
- Best for
- Feeling lonely, fitting in, and colours and shapes
- Age
- 2-5
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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.