The Koala Who Could: questions to ask and activities to try
Kevin the koala likes things to stay exactly the same, thank you, until one day he has to let go of his tree. The Koala Who Could is a playful, rhyming way into change and trying new things.
What age is it for? The Koala Who Could is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Handling change and unfamiliar situations.
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Age
- 3+
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
Ask how Kevin feels about change, and what helps him take the leap. Then think of one tiny new thing your child could try, so change becomes something to practise in small steps.
Why I like this one
The Koala Who Could is the book I'd choose for a child who likes things to stay exactly the same. Kevin doesn't want to leave his tree, and he only moves when he has to, which feels very honest.
What I like is that the book doesn't make change sound easy. It makes it sound possible. Before a new school, a house move or even a new routine, try asking, “What's one small new thing you could try this week?”
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Coping with change
- Trying new things
- Worrying about the unfamiliar
- Being brave in small steps
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 is one new thing you could be brave enough to try?”
- “Why did Kevin want to stay on his tree?”
- “How do you think he felt when he had to let go?”
- “What happened when Kevin tried something new?”
- “What's a change that turned out better than you expected?”
- “What helps you when something is new?”
5-minute activities to try together
One tiny new thing
Choose one tiny new thing to try this week, like a different route or a new food, and talk about how it went.
Change countdown
For a change that's coming (a new class, a visit), make a simple countdown and talk about one thing you know will be the same.
Free printables: The Koala Who Could 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
A Squash and a Squeeze (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Seeing that what you have is enough, and looking at a problem differently
- Age
- 3-6
Stick Man (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Missing home or family, and being away from people you love
- Age
- 3-6
This Beach Is Loud! (Samantha Cotterill)
- Best for
- Sensory overwhelm and busy environments
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 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.