On Sudden Hill: questions to ask and activities to try
Birt and Etho are best friends, until Shu wants to join in. On Sudden Hill is a moving story about jealousy, friendship, and making room for someone new.
What age is it for? On Sudden Hill is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Jealousy, and letting someone new join in.
On Sudden Hill (Linda Sarah and Benji Davies)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Jealousy, and letting someone new join in
Read it slowly and look at Birt's face when Shu arrives. Ask how Birt feels, and why. It's a great book for a child struggling with a friendship that's changing.
What it helps with
- Feeling jealous when friendships change
- Letting someone new join in
- Two's company, three's a crowd
- Imaginative play with boxes
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 Birt and Etho love to do?”
- “Who wanted to join in?”
- “How did Birt feel?”
- “What did Birt do?”
- “How did his friends help him?”
- “Have you ever felt left out of a game?”
5-minute activities to try together
Box building
Build something amazing from cardboard boxes together, and invite someone else to add to it.
Three's fun
Think of games that are better with three people than two, and play one.
Free printables: On Sudden Hill 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
Hello, Friend! (Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants
- Age
- 3-6
Pumpkin Soup (Helen Cooper)
- Best for
- Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends
- Age
- 3-7
Croc and Bird (Alexis Deacon)
- Best for
- Brothers and sisters who are very different
- 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.