The Invisible: questions to ask and activities to try
When Isabel's family can't pay the bills, she starts to feel invisible. The Invisible is a moving picture book about poverty, belonging and how we all matter.
What age is it for? The Invisible is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Feeling invisible, and helping others be seen.
The Invisible (Tom Percival)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Feeling invisible, and helping others be seen
Read it gently. Talk about how Isabel felt, and how small acts of kindness made people visible again.
What it helps with
- Poverty and money worries
- Feeling invisible or left out
- Community kindness
- Everyone belongs
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 happened to Isabel’s family?”
- “How did she feel?”
- “Who else was invisible?”
- “What did she do?”
- “How did things change?”
- “How can we help someone feel seen?”
5-minute activities to try together
Seen
Say hello and smile to someone who often goes unnoticed.
Community garden
Plant something to share with neighbours.
Free printables: The Invisible 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
Ruby’s Worry (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- A child whose worry grows while they keep it to themselves
- Age
- 4-7
The Smile Shop (Satoshi Kitamura)
- Best for
- Losing something, and finding kindness is worth more than money
- Age
- 3-7
A Bottle of Happiness (Pippa Goodhart and Ehsan Abdollahi)
- Best for
- What happiness is, and whether you can share it
- 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.