The Concrete Garden: questions to ask and activities to try
A grey corner of the city, a box of chalk, and children who start to draw. The Concrete Garden is an uplifting story about creativity, community and hope.
What age is it for? The Concrete Garden is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Creativity, community and hope.
Read it slowly and look at the garden grow across the pages. Afterwards, grab some chalk and make your own garden on a path or patio.
What it helps with
- Creativity and making things together
- Community and neighbours
- Hope in grey places
- Drawing and art
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 was the place like at the start?”
- “Who started drawing?”
- “Who joined in?”
- “What did the garden look like at the end?”
- “How did people feel?”
- “What would you draw?”
5-minute activities to try together
Chalk garden
Draw a garden in chalk on a path, and invite someone else to add to it.
Brighten a corner
Find a dull corner at home or nearby and think of one way to brighten it.
Free printables: The Concrete Garden 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
Errol's Garden (Gillian Hibbs)
- Best for
- Gardening, community, and asking for help with a big idea
- Age
- 3-7
Christopher Nibble (Charlotte Middleton)
- Best for
- Caring for nature, and making a difference
- Age
- 3-7
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
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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.