The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark: questions to ask and activities to try
Plop is a baby owl who's afraid of the dark. The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is the classic story about finding out that dark can be wonderful.
What age is it for? The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is best for ages 4–8. Good for: A baby owl who's afraid of the dark.
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (Jill Tomlinson)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- A baby owl who's afraid of the dark
Read a chapter a night. Each chapter has a new thing that's good about the dark, so talk about it before bed.
What it helps with
- Fear of the dark
- Facing fears by finding out
- Night-time nature
- Classic chapter books
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.
- “Who is Plop?”
- “What is he scared of?”
- “Who did he meet?”
- “What did each one say about the dark?”
- “What’s good about the dark?”
- “What would you tell Plop?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dark is...
Each night, say one good thing about the dark, like Plop learned.
Owl watch
Listen for owls at night.
Free printables: The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark 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
Orion and the Dark (Emma Yarlett)
- Best for
- Being scared of the dark, and making friends with it
- Age
- 3-7
The Dark (Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen)
- Best for
- Being afraid of the dark, and meeting it
- Age
- 3-7
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
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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.