The Borrowers: questions to ask and activities to try
Tiny people live under the floorboards and borrow from the humans above. The Borrowers is the much-loved classic about Arrietty and her family.
What age is it for? The Borrowers is best for ages 7–10. Good for: Tiny people living under the floorboards.
The Borrowers (Mary Norton)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- Tiny people living under the floorboards
Read a chapter a night. Look at everyday objects and imagine how a Borrower would use them.
What it helps with
- Friendship across differences
- Curiosity and risk
- Family
- Classic novels
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.
- “Who are the Borrowers?”
- “What do they borrow?”
- “Who is Arrietty?”
- “Who saw her?”
- “What happened next?”
- “What would a Borrower use a thimble for?”
5-minute activities to try together
Borrower house
Make a tiny room from a shoebox using household objects.
Borrowed list
List what Borrowers might take from your house.
Free printables: The Borrowers 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 Green Ship (Quentin Blake)
- Best for
- Imaginary voyages, and an unlikely friendship
- Age
- 4-8
Finn Family Moomintroll (Tove Jansson)
- Best for
- Moominvalley, a magic hat and a summer of adventures
- Age
- 7-10
Charlotte's Web (E. B. White and Garth Williams)
- Best for
- Friendship, loyalty and loss
- Age
- 6-10
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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.