Sugarlump and the Unicorn: questions to ask and activities to try
Sugarlump the rocking horse wishes to be something else, and a unicorn grants each wish, until he realises he was happiest as himself. A gentle story about being content with who you are.
What age is it for? Sugarlump and the Unicorn is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Wanting to be someone else, then valuing who you are.
Sugarlump and the Unicorn (Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Wanting to be someone else, then valuing who you are
Ask why Sugarlump wanted to go home in the end. It's a good way to talk about wishing to be someone else, and about what's good about being you.
What it helps with
- Wanting to be someone else
- Contentment
- Self-acceptance
- Appreciating home and family
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.
- “Why did Sugarlump want to go home in the end?”
- “What did Sugarlump wish for?”
- “Which of his new lives looked fun, and which was hard?”
- “Have you ever wished to be someone else?”
- “What do you like about being you?”
- “What did the unicorn teach him?”
5-minute activities to try together
Never change list
Talk about one thing your child would never want to change about themselves.
Wish and why
Each make one wish, then talk about what might be good, and what might be hard, if it came true.
Free printables: Sugarlump and the Unicorn 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 Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- 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
Perfectly Norman (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- A child who hides something about themselves to fit in
- Age
- 4-7
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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.