The Elephant: questions to ask and activities to try
A big grey elephant follows Olive's dad everywhere, keeping him sad. The Elephant is a short, heart-healing chapter book about a parent's grief and the love that helps.
What age is it for? The Elephant is best for ages 7–9. Good for: A parent's sadness, and how a child can help.
The Elephant (Peter Carnavas)
- Age
- 7-9
- Best for
- A parent's sadness, and how a child can help
Read it with older children, a chapter at a time. Talk gently about how sadness can feel like something heavy that follows you.
What it helps with
- A parent's depression or grief
- Children's feelings when a parent is sad
- Family and friendship
- Hope
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 followed Olive’s dad?”
- “How did it make him feel?”
- “What did Olive wish?”
- “Who helped her?”
- “What helped the elephant go away?”
- “What helps when someone you love is sad?”
5-minute activities to try together
Feelings animal
Draw what a big feeling would look like as an animal.
Cheer-up plan
Plan something small to brighten a grown-up's day.
Free printables: The Elephant 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
When Sadness Comes to Call (Eva Eland)
- Best for
- Welcoming sadness and letting it be
- Age
- 3-7
Rain Before Rainbows (Smriti Halls and David Litchfield)
- Best for
- Hope through hard times
- Age
- 3-7
Badger's Parting Gifts (Susan Varley)
- Best for
- Death, grief and remembering someone you love
- 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.