Shh! We Have a Plan: questions to ask and activities to try
Four friends have a plan to catch a bird. Shh! The littlest one has a better idea. Shh! We Have a Plan is a gloriously funny book about kindness, listening and better ways than grabbing.
What age is it for? Shh! We Have a Plan is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Kindness, and better ways than grabbing.
Shh! We Have a Plan (Chris Haughton)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Kindness, and better ways than grabbing
Whisper the “shh!”s and let your child shout the “go!”s. Ask why the littlest one's idea worked when the others' didn't.
What it helps with
- Kindness instead of grabbing
- Listening to the smallest voice
- What happens when plans go wrong
- Joining in with a repeated line
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 was the plan?”
- “What happened each time they tried?”
- “What did the littlest one want to do?”
- “Why did his way work?”
- “Do you ever grab things you want?”
- “What could you do instead?”
5-minute activities to try together
Gentle hands
Put out some bird seed or crumbs and wait quietly to see who visits, like the littlest one.
Better plan
Act out the story with toys, and let your child invent a kinder plan for the friends.
Free printables: Shh! We Have a Plan 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.
More by Chris Haughton: A Bit Lost, Don't Worry, Little Crab, Goodnight Everyone, Oh No, George!
If your child liked this, try
Oh No, George! (Chris Haughton)
- Best for
- Self-control, temptation and trying to be good
- Age
- 2-6
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share
- Age
- 3-6
A Bit Lost (Chris Haughton)
- Best for
- Getting lost, and asking for help
- Age
- 2-5
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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.