Peace at Last: questions to ask and activities to try
Mr Bear just wants to sleep, but every room has a new noise. Peace at Last is a funny bedtime classic that little ones love to join in with.
What age is it for? Peace at Last is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong.
Peace at Last (Jill Murphy)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong
Let your child join in with “Oh no, I can't stand THIS” and make the noises. Then read the last pages quietly, ready for sleep.
Why I like this one
Peace at Last is the book for the tired, everything-is-going-wrong kind of evening. Poor Mr Bear moves from room to room and something keeps keeping him awake, which children find very funny and very familiar.
I'd use the repeated “Oh NO!” as a chance for your child to join in, then talk about what Mr Bear could have done when he got frustrated. It's a light way to practise staying patient when little things keep going wrong.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Settling at bedtime
- Noises that make it hard to sleep
- Staying patient when things keep going wrong
- Joining in with repeated words, for younger children
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 noises kept Mr Bear awake?”
- “Where did he go to try to sleep?”
- “How did Mr Bear feel?”
- “What happened when he finally fell asleep?”
- “What noises can you hear at bedtime?”
- “What helps you get to sleep?”
5-minute activities to try together
Night noises
Lie still in the dark together for one minute and listen. Name every sound you hear, then say goodnight to them.
Sleepy spot
Ask your child what makes their bed feel cosy and peaceful, and add one small thing, like a favourite toy.
Free printables: Peace at Last 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
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
Silly Billy (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Children who lie awake worrying at night
- Age
- 3-7
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
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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.