Splash, Anna Hibiscus!: questions to ask and activities to try
Anna Hibiscus wants to splash in the waves, but everyone is busy. Splash, Anna Hibiscus! is a joyful, sunny story about wanting someone to play with, and finding your own fun.
What age is it for? Splash, Anna Hibiscus! is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Wanting someone to play with you.
Splash, Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Wanting someone to play with you
Read it with splashy sounds. Ask your child how Anna feels when everyone says no, and what she does about it.
What it helps with
- Wanting grown-ups to play
- Finding your own fun
- Big families at the beach
- Joy and play
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.
- “Where was Anna Hibiscus?”
- “What did she want to do?”
- “Why wouldn’t anyone join her?”
- “What did she do instead?”
- “Who joined her in the end?”
- “What do you love doing at the beach?”
5-minute activities to try together
Splash play
Play in a paddling pool, the bath or puddles and make big splashes together.
Ask to play
Practise asking someone to play, and what to do if they say “not now”.
Free printables: Splash, Anna Hibiscus! 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
Anna Hibiscus' Song (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- Big happy feelings, and how to let them out
- Age
- 3-7
Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out
- Age
- 3-7
Don't Worry, Little Crab (Chris Haughton)
- Best for
- Being scared to try something new
- 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.