Stick Man: questions to ask and activities to try
Stick Man is carried further and further from his family tree, and keeps trying to get home. It's a gentle book for children who miss someone, at drop-off, a sleepover or when a parent is away.
What age is it for? Stick Man is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Missing home or family, and being away from people you love.
Stick Man (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Missing home or family, and being away from people you love
Use it to give missing someone a name. Ask how Stick Man felt each time he was taken further away, and what kept him going. Then talk about what helps your child when they miss you.
Why I like this one
Stick Man is the book I'd reach for when a child is missing someone: a parent who travels, a grandparent who lives far away, or just the long wait at drop-off. He keeps trying to get home and never stops believing he will.
It's a bit sad in the middle, and that's fine. I'd let the sad part be sad rather than rushing to the happy ending. A question like “What helps you when you're missing someone?” often brings out more than “Are you sad?”
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Talking about missing home or a parent
- Drop-offs, sleepovers and time apart
- Keeping going when things keep going wrong
- Knowing that the people who love you are waiting for you
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.
- “How do you think Stick Man felt each time he was carried further from home?”
- “What kept him going?”
- “Who do you think was missing him at home?”
- “When have you missed someone? What helped?”
- “What could you do if you felt lost or far from home?”
- “How did Stick Man finally get back to his family?”
5-minute activities to try together
A stick family for goodbyes
Find sticks on a walk and make a small stick family together. Keep it by the door, so goodbyes and hellos have a little ritual.
A missing-you plan
Choose one thing for times apart: a secret hand-squeeze, a drawing in their bag, or a word you both say at drop-off. Practise it at home first.
Free printables: Stick Man 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
The Invisible String (Patrice Karst)
- Best for
- Being apart at drop-off, a sleepover or the start of school
- Age
- 4-7
Monkey Puzzle (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Getting lost, and asking someone for help
- Age
- 3-6
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 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.