Tad: questions to ask and activities to try
Tad is the smallest tadpole in the pond, and everyone else seems to be disappearing. Tad is a gentle story about growing up at your own pace, and being brave about what comes next.
What age is it for? Tad is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Growing up at your own pace, and being brave about change.
Tad (Benji Davies)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Growing up at your own pace, and being brave about change
Read it slowly and look at how Tad changes from page to page. Pause when Tad is left on her own and ask how she might feel. It's a good book for a child who feels behind their friends, or worried about a big change like starting school.
Why I like this one
Tad is about the smallest tadpole in the pond, and it's lovely for children who feel they're behind everyone else. Her brothers and sisters grow up first, and she's frightened, but she gets there in her own time.
I'd use it before a change like moving up a class, or when a younger sibling feels left behind. A gentle question is, “What would you tell Tad if she was worried?” Children are often kinder to a character than to themselves.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Growing up at your own pace
- Worrying about a big change
- Feeling small or left behind
- How tadpoles become frogs, for curious minds
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 was Tad different from her brothers and sisters?”
- “Where did you think the others had gone?”
- “How did Tad feel when she was on her own?”
- “What changed about Tad as the story went on?”
- “What is a big change you have had to be brave about?”
- “What helps you feel brave when something is new?”
5-minute activities to try together
Frog life cycle
Draw four pictures together: frogspawn, tadpole, froglet and frog. Talk about how each one changes.
My growing timeline
Find photos of your child as a baby, a toddler and now. Talk about what they couldn't do then that they can do now.
Free printables: Tad 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 Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
The Tiny Seed (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Patience, feeling small, and keeping going
- Age
- 3-7
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- 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.