The Bookshop Girl: questions to ask and activities to try
Property Jones lives in a bookshop, but she can't read. The Bookshop Girl is a charming, funny story about family, secrets and books.
What age is it for? The Bookshop Girl is best for ages 7–9. Good for: A girl who lives in a bookshop and can't read.
The Bookshop Girl (Sylvia Bishop and Ashley King)
- Age
- 7-9
- Best for
- A girl who lives in a bookshop and can't read
Read it with a child who is learning to read. Talk about how Property feels and what helps her.
What it helps with
- Struggling with reading
- Secrets and honesty
- Found families
- Books and imagination
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 is she called Property?”
- “What’s her secret?”
- “What did the family win?”
- “What was special about the new bookshop?”
- “Who helped her?”
- “What would your dream bookshop have?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dream bookshop
Design a magical bookshop with special rooms.
Reading buddy
Take turns reading a page each.
Free printables: The Bookshop Girl 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
I Don't Like Books. Never. Ever. The End. (Emma Perry and Sharon Davey)
- Best for
- A girl who doesn't like books, and the books fight back
- Age
- 4-7
The Dragon in the Library (Louie Stowell and Davide Ortu)
- Best for
- A girl who hates reading discovers a magical library
- Age
- 7-10
Wiggling Words (Kate Rolfe)
- Best for
- A neurodivergent reader's creative mind
- 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.