Sheila Rae, the Brave: questions to ask and activities to try
Sheila Rae isn't scared of anything, until she gets lost, and her timid little sister Louise knows the way home. A funny, warm book about bravery and siblings.
What age is Sheila Rae, the Brave for?
Sheila Rae, the Brave is best for ages 4–7.
Sheila Rae, the Brave (Kevin Henkes)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- What bravery really means, and big and little siblings
Only 50pSheila Rae, the Brave activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Ask your child who was really brave in this story. Talk about how even brave people get scared, and how quiet people can be brave too.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 4–7 (Reception to Year 2)
- What they'll enjoy
- Sheila Rae isn't scared of anything, until she gets lost, and her timid little sister Louise knows the way home. A funny, warm book about bravery and siblings.
- Helps with
- What bravery really means, and big and little siblings
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- What bravery really is
- Big and little siblings
- Getting lost
- Teasing
Comprehension and discussion questions for Sheila Rae, the Brave
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 was Sheila Rae not afraid of?”
- “How did she treat her sister Louise?”
- “What happened when she took a new way home?”
- “How did Louise help?”
- “Who do you think was the bravest?”
- “When have you been brave?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for Sheila Rae, the Brave
All 6 questions for Sheila Rae, the Brave on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Brave badge
Make a badge for a time your child was brave, even in a small way.
Way-home map
Draw a map of your way home from school or the park, with landmarks to remember.
Sheila Rae, the Brave activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Confidence & Not Giving Up bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:The Lion InsideGiraffes Can’t DancePerfectly NormanThe Snail and the WhaleSugarlump and the UnicornThe Ugly FiveThe DotElmerThe Tiny SeedSupertatoA Brave BearAlfie Gets in FirstAstro GirlAvocado BabyBlackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do?£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25Sheila Rae, the Brave + The Lion Inside + Giraffes Can’t DanceThe 3 books:Sheila Rae, the BraveThe Lion InsideGiraffes Can’t Dance£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to Sheila Rae, the Brave, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about what bravery really is.
A 20-minute session for ages 4–7 (Reception to Year 2), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Ask your child who was really brave in this story. Talk about how even brave people get scared, and how quiet people can be brave too.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What was Sheila Rae not afraid of?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Brave badge. Make a badge for a time your child was brave, even in a small way. Children who finish early can try Way-home map.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The Sheila Rae, the Brave activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
Chrysanthemum (Kevin Henkes)
- Best for
- Teasing about names, and feeling proud of who you are
- Age
- 4-7
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko)
- Best for
- A clever princess who rescues the prince
- Age
- 4-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 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.