The Midnight Panther: questions to ask and activities to try
Panther feels plain next to Leopard, Tiger and Lion. The Midnight Panther is a stunningly illustrated fable about feeling different and finding your own place in the world.
What age is it for? The Midnight Panther is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Feeling different, and finding your place.
The Midnight Panther (Poonam Mistry)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Feeling different, and finding your place
Take your time with the detailed pictures. Afterwards, talk about what makes your child special, even when they compare themselves to others.
What it helps with
- Comparing yourself to others
- Feeling different or plain
- Discovering your own strengths
- Courage
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.
- “How was Panther different?”
- “What did the other cats have?”
- “How did Panther feel?”
- “What did he discover?”
- “What makes you special?”
- “Do you ever compare yourself to others?”
5-minute activities to try together
Night animals
Find out which animals hunt or play at night, like Panther.
Special strengths
Each family member says one special strength of someone else.
Free printables: The Midnight Panther 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 Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
Elmer (David McKee)
- Best for
- Children who feel different or want to fit in
- Age
- 2-6
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
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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.