The Paper Dolls: questions to ask and activities to try
A girl and her mum make a chain of paper dolls, who have adventures until a boy snips them up. But the dolls live on in the girl's memory, with other lovely things. One of the few gentle picture books about loss.
What age is it for? The Paper Dolls is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Loss, grief and holding on to happy memories.
The Paper Dolls (Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Loss, grief and holding on to happy memories
It can be used for any loss: a grandparent, a pet, a friend moving away. Ask what happy things your child keeps in their memory. If your child is grieving, this book is a start, not a substitute for support.
What it helps with
- Loss and grief
- Holding on to happy memories
- Things that change or end
- Talking about someone who has died
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 happy things do you keep in your memory?”
- “How did the girl feel when the dolls were snipped?”
- “Where did the paper dolls go?”
- “Who else was in the girl's memory?”
- “What memory makes you smile?”
- “What happened when the girl grew up?”
5-minute activities to try together
Paper doll memories
Make a chain of paper dolls together, and name each one after a happy memory.
Memory box
Choose a small box and put in a few things that remind you of a happy time or someone special.
Free printables: The Paper Dolls 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 Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
Tiddler (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Tall tales, telling the truth, and imagination
- Age
- 3-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
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.