The Firework-Maker's Daughter: questions to ask and activities to try
Lila wants to be a firework-maker, and she'll make a dangerous journey to learn the final secret. The Firework-Maker's Daughter is Philip Pullman's beautiful fairy tale.
What age is it for? The Firework-Maker's Daughter is best for ages 7–10. Good for: Following your dream, and what courage really means.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter (Philip Pullman and Peter Bailey)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- Following your dream, and what courage really means
Read a chapter a night. Talk about what Lila learned about courage and talent.
What it helps with
- Following your dream
- Courage
- Girls in unexpected roles
- Fairy tales
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 did Lila want to be?”
- “Why wouldn’t her father tell her?”
- “Where did she travel?”
- “Who helped her?”
- “What was the secret?”
- “What would you journey for?”
5-minute activities to try together
Firework design
Draw and name your own firework.
Secret ingredients
List the three ingredients you'd need for your dream.
Free printables: The Firework-Maker's Daughter 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
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
- Age
- 8-11
The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko)
- Best for
- A clever princess who rescues the prince
- Age
- 4-7
Ballerina Dreams (Michaela DePrince and Ella Okstad)
- Best for
- Following a dream against the odds
- Age
- 5-8
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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.