The Emperor of Absurdia: questions to ask and activities to try
In Absurdia, trees are birds and the sky is thick with snoring fish. The Emperor of Absurdia is a rich, dreamlike picture book from Chris Riddell.
What age is it for? The Emperor of Absurdia is best for ages 3–7. Good for: A dreamlike land where nothing is what it seems.
The Emperor of Absurdia (Chris Riddell)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- A dreamlike land where nothing is what it seems
Pore over the pictures and spot everything that's upside down or mixed up. Talk about the strangest dream your child has had.
What it helps with
- Imagination and nonsense
- Dreams
- Looking closely at pictures
- Describing strange things
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 odd about Absurdia?”
- “What did the emperor do?”
- “What chased him?”
- “Where did he wake up?”
- “What was your strangest dream?”
- “What would be in your absurd land?”
5-minute activities to try together
Absurd world
Draw a world where everything is mixed up: fish in the sky, trees with legs.
Dream diary
Draw a dream as soon as you wake up.
Free printables: The Emperor of Absurdia 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
Through the Magic Mirror (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Being fed up, and seeing the world differently
- Age
- 3-7
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- Age
- 3-7
It's Only Stanley (Jon Agee)
- Best for
- Spotting what's really going on in a funny rhyme
- Age
- 3-7
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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.