Stanley's Stick: questions to ask and activities to try
Stanley's stick is not just a stick: it's a rocket, a fishing rod and a dinosaur. Stanley's Stick is a playful, poetic story about the magic of imagination.
What age is it for? Stanley's Stick is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Imagination, and how much fun a stick can be.
Stanley's Stick (John Hegley and Neal Layton)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Imagination, and how much fun a stick can be
Read it on the way to a park or woods, then go stick-hunting. Ask your child what their stick could become.
What it helps with
- Imaginative play outdoors
- Seeing everyday things in new ways
- Poetic, playful language
- Free play without toys
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 special about Stanley’s stick?”
- “Where did the stick take him?”
- “Which adventure did you like best?”
- “What happened to the stick at the end?”
- “What would your stick be?”
- “What else can you play with outside?”
5-minute activities to try together
Stick hunt
Find the best stick on a walk and take turns deciding what it is.
Stick drawings
Use a stick to draw in sand, mud or snow, like Stanley.
Free printables: Stanley's Stick 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
Ruby's Sword (Jacqueline Véissid and Paola Zakimi)
- Best for
- Keeping up with big siblings, and imaginative play
- Age
- 3-7
Billy's Bucket (Kes Gray and Garry Parsons)
- Best for
- Imagination, and wanting grown-ups to believe you
- Age
- 3-6
Naughty Bus (Jan Oke and Jerry Oke)
- Best for
- Imaginative play with toys
- 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.