The Missing Piece: questions to ask and activities to try
A circle with a piece missing rolls along looking for the part that will make it whole, and learns something surprising when it finds it. The Missing Piece is Shel Silverstein’s simple fable about not needing to be perfect.
What age is it for? The Missing Piece is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Feeling incomplete, enjoying the journey and not needing to be perfect.
The Missing Piece (Shel Silverstein)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Feeling incomplete, enjoying the journey and not needing to be perfect
Read it slowly; the drawings carry a lot. Ask your child why the circle put the piece down, and let them come up with their own answer.
What it helps with
- Not needing to be perfect
- Enjoying the journey, not just the goal
- Thinking about what makes us happy
- Big questions in simple words
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 was the circle looking for?”
- “Why didn’t some of the pieces fit?”
- “What changed when it found the right piece?”
- “Why do you think it put the piece down?”
- “Was the circle happier with or without the piece?”
- “Is there something you thought you needed but didn’t?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rolling circle
Cut a circle from card with a wedge missing. Roll it along the table, then try it with the piece taped back in. What changes?
Things I like about me
Draw yourself and add three things you like about yourself just as you are.
Free printables: The Missing Piece 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 Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein)
- Best for
- Giving, taking and love over a lifetime
- Age
- 4-10
Ish (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who give up because their work isn't 'right'
- Age
- 4-8
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 17 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.