Penguin: questions to ask and activities to try
Ben has a new penguin friend, but Penguin won't say a word. Penguin is a heart-warming modern classic about frustration, anger, patience and friendship.
What age is it for? Penguin is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Frustration when someone won't respond, and patience in friendship.
Penguin (Polly Dunbar)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Frustration when someone won't respond, and patience in friendship
Read it and watch Ben getting crosser on each page. Pause when he loses his temper and ask how he feels, and how Penguin might feel. The ending is a lovely talk about patience.
What it helps with
- Getting frustrated when someone won't respond
- Anger, and what it leads to
- Patience in friendship
- Different ways of communicating
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 Ben get as a present?”
- “What did Ben try to make Penguin talk?”
- “How did Ben feel?”
- “What happened when Ben got really cross?”
- “How did Penguin show he cared?”
- “What do you do when you feel frustrated?”
5-minute activities to try together
Silent friend
Take turns being Penguin and communicating without words. How else can you show how you feel?
Cool-down plan
Talk about what helps when you feel as cross as Ben, and draw a calm-down picture.
Free printables: Penguin 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
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems)
- Best for
- Losing a favourite toy, and being understood before you can talk
- Age
- 2-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.