The Pebble in My Pocket: questions to ask and activities to try
One pebble, 480 million years of history. The Pebble in My Pocket tells the story of how rocks form and change.
What age is it for? The Pebble in My Pocket is best for ages 6–10. Good for: The 480-million-year story of a pebble.
The Pebble in My Pocket (Meredith Hooper and Chris Coady)
- Age
- 6-10
- Best for
- The 480-million-year story of a pebble
Read it, then collect pebbles together and imagine each one's story.
What it helps with
- Rocks and the rock cycle
- Earth's history
- Time and change
- Curiosity about nature
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.
- “Where did the pebble start?”
- “How old is it?”
- “What happened to it over time?”
- “How do rocks wear away?”
- “What’s the oldest thing you’ve held?”
- “What’s your pebble’s story?”
5-minute activities to try together
Pebble story
Pick a pebble and write its story.
Rock sort
Sort stones by colour, size and texture.
Free printables: The Pebble in My Pocket 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
The Street Beneath My Feet (Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer)
- Best for
- A journey down through the layers of the Earth
- Age
- 5-8
The Greatest Show on Earth (Mini Grey)
- Best for
- The whole history of life on Earth as a stage show
- Age
- 5-9
Volcano (Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft)
- Best for
- Volcanoes deep under the sea, and the life they create
- Age
- 5-8
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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.