The Playdate: questions to ask and activities to try
A long journey to Henry's house, all for the best playdate ever. The Playdate is a funny, honest story about friendship and what happens when things don't go to plan.
What age is it for? The Playdate is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Looking forward to a playdate, and when it doesn't go to plan.
The Playdate (Uje Brandelius and Clara Dackenberg)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Looking forward to a playdate, and when it doesn't go to plan
Read it and talk about times your child looked forward to something that turned out differently. How did they cope?
What it helps with
- Looking forward to something
- When things don't go to plan
- Friendship ups and downs
- Long journeys
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 was she going?”
- “How did she get there?”
- “What was she looking forward to?”
- “What went differently?”
- “How did she feel?”
- “What makes a good playdate?”
5-minute activities to try together
Playdate plan
Plan a playdate together: games, snack and how to share.
Journey map
Draw a map of a journey you take, with every bus and train.
Free printables: The Playdate 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
Hello, Friend! (Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants
- Age
- 3-6
A Splendid Friend, Indeed (Suzanne Bloom)
- Best for
- Making friends with someone very different from you
- Age
- 2-5
Alex and Alex (Ziggy Hanaor and Ben Javens)
- Best for
- Friends who like different things, and accepting each other
- Age
- 3-6
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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.