The Bog Baby: questions to ask and activities to try
Two sisters find a tiny Bog Baby at the magic pond and take him home. The Bog Baby is a beautiful, award-winning story about loving wild things enough to let them go.
What age is it for? The Bog Baby is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Caring for wild creatures, and letting them go.
The Bog Baby (Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Caring for wild creatures, and letting them go
Read it slowly and let your child fall in love with the Bog Baby. When he gets ill, ask what he needs. It's a gentle way to talk about wildlife belonging in the wild.
What it helps with
- Caring for wild creatures
- Doing the right thing even when it's hard
- Letting something go
- Nature, ponds and lifecycles
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.
- “Where did the sisters find the Bog Baby?”
- “Why did they keep him secret?”
- “Why did he get ill?”
- “What did they decide to do?”
- “How did they feel?”
- “Why should wild animals stay in the wild?”
5-minute activities to try together
Pond watch
Visit a pond and quietly watch for creatures. Look, don't take.
Draw a Bog Baby
Draw your own Bog Baby and its perfect home in the wild.
Free printables: The Bog Baby 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 Boy Who Lost His Bumble (Trudi Esberger)
- Best for
- Bees, the seasons, and caring for nature
- Age
- 3-7
Christopher Nibble (Charlotte Middleton)
- Best for
- Caring for nature, and making a difference
- Age
- 3-7
Tad (Benji Davies)
- Best for
- Growing up at your own pace, and being brave about change
- Age
- 3-6
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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.