The Accidental Prime Minister: questions to ask and activities to try
Joe's speech goes viral and suddenly he's Prime Minister. The Accidental Prime Minister is a funny chapter book about leadership and big decisions.
What age is it for? The Accidental Prime Minister is best for ages 7–10. Good for: An ordinary boy who ends up running the country.
The Accidental Prime Minister (Tom McLaughlin)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- An ordinary boy who ends up running the country
Read a chapter at a time. Ask your child what three things they'd change if they ran the country.
What it helps with
- Leadership and decisions
- Speaking up
- How government works (lightly)
- Humour
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 did Joe say to the reporter?”
- “Why did it go viral?”
- “How did he become Prime Minister?”
- “What did he change?”
- “What was hard?”
- “What would you change?”
5-minute activities to try together
My manifesto
Write three promises you'd make as Prime Minister.
Family vote
Hold a family vote on something real, like the weekend plan.
Free printables: The Accidental Prime Minister 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)
- Best for
- Bold Black women who changed the world
- Age
- 5-8
How to Be Extraordinary (Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Annabel Tempest)
- Best for
- Real people who were extraordinary in different ways
- Age
- 5-8
Barry Loser: I Am Not a Loser (Jim Smith)
- Best for
- Coolness, friendship and an annoying new boy
- Age
- 7-10
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.