The Glass Heart: questions to ask and activities to try
Three princesses with hearts made of glass live in a magical kingdom of palaces on water. The Glass Heart is an enchanting fairy tale by award-winning author Sally Gardner.
What age is it for? The Glass Heart is best for ages 5–8. Good for: An enchanting fairy tale about fragile hearts.
The Glass Heart (Sally Gardner)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- An enchanting fairy tale about fragile hearts
Read it slowly and enjoy the pictures. Talk about what it might mean to have a heart that breaks easily, and how people protect their feelings.
What it helps with
- Sensitive feelings
- Fairy tales and magic
- Being brave with your feelings
- Imagination
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.
- “Where did the princesses live?”
- “What was special about their hearts?”
- “Why did they need to be careful?”
- “What happened in the end?”
- “What does a heart made of glass mean?”
- “How do you look after your feelings?”
5-minute activities to try together
Fairy kingdom
Draw your own kingdom with palaces on water.
Feelings jar
Make a jar for happy notes to read when feelings feel fragile.
Free printables: The Glass Heart 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
Cinnamon (Neil Gaiman and Divya Srinivasan)
- Best for
- Finding your voice, in a fairy tale from a hot country
- Age
- 4-8
Axel Scheffler Fairy Tale Treasury (Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Classic fairy tales to share at bedtime
- Age
- 2-6
Beneath (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Feelings hidden beneath the surface
- Age
- 3-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.