Not Now, Bernard: questions to ask and activities to try
Bernard has something important to say, but nobody is listening. Not Now, Bernard is a short, funny and slightly spooky classic about attention, for children and grown-ups alike.
What age is it for? Not Now, Bernard is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Feeling ignored, and talking about listening to each other.
Not Now, Bernard (David McKee)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Feeling ignored, and talking about listening to each other
Children love the surprise ending; let them enjoy it. Then ask how Bernard felt, and be ready to hear an honest answer about your own “not now” moments.
Why I like this one
Not Now, Bernard is darkly funny, and I'd be honest that the ending can unsettle some sensitive children. For most, though, it's a very clever way to talk about what it feels like not to be listened to.
It works both ways, which is what I like. It's a gentle nudge for us grown-ups too. Afterwards I'd ask, “How could Bernard get his mum and dad to listen?” and maybe agree a family signal for when something really can't wait.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Feeling ignored or not listened to
- Getting a busy grown-up's attention in a good way
- Talking about listening to each other
- A gentle nudge for busy parents
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 Bernard want to tell his parents?”
- “What did they say every time?”
- “How do you think Bernard felt?”
- “Why didn’t his parents notice the monster?”
- “When do you feel nobody is listening to you?”
- “How could you get my attention when you really need it?”
5-minute activities to try together
Listening signal
Agree a family signal, like a hand on the arm, that means “I really need you to listen.” Practise using it.
Five-minute chat
Set a timer for five minutes of full attention, no phones. Your child chooses what to talk about.
Free printables: Not Now, Bernard 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
The Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
The Day the Crayons Quit (Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Seeing things from someone else's point of view
- Age
- 3-7
Elmer (David McKee)
- Best for
- Children who feel different or want to fit in
- Age
- 2-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 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.