The Rainbow Fish: questions to ask and activities to try
The Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean, but he won't share a single shining scale, and he ends up alone. A gentle classic about sharing and what really makes us happy.
What age is The Rainbow Fish for?
The Rainbow Fish is best for ages 3–6.
The Rainbow Fish (Marcus Pfister)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Sharing, and finding that friends matter more than shiny things
Only 50pThe Rainbow Fish activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Pause when the other fish swim away and ask how the Rainbow Fish feels. Then talk about why giving his scales away made him happier, not sadder.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 3–6 (nursery to Year 1)
- What they'll enjoy
- The Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean, but he won't share a single shining scale, and he ends up alone. A gentle classic about sharing and what really makes us happy.
- Helps with
- Sharing, and finding that friends matter more than shiny things
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Sharing what you have
- Making and keeping friends
- Noticing how others feel
- Being proud without showing off
Comprehension and discussion questions for The Rainbow Fish
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.
- “Why wouldn’t the Rainbow Fish share his scales?”
- “How did the other fish feel when he said no?”
- “What did the octopus tell him to do?”
- “How did he feel after he gave his scales away?”
- “Is there something you find hard to share?”
- “What makes a good friend: shiny scales, or something else?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for The Rainbow Fish
All 6 questions for The Rainbow Fish on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Shiny scale gift
Cut a fish from paper and stick on one shiny scale (foil works). Give it to someone and tell them why they’re a good friend.
Share a treat
Next snack time, let your child share it out fairly between everyone. Talk about how sharing felt.
The Rainbow Fish activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Friendship & Kindness bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:The Smartest Giant in TownSuperwormThe Day the Crayons QuitOi Frog!A Splendid Friend, IndeedAaaarrgghh, Spider!Big Box Little BoxBiscuit BearBlue ChameleonBlue PenguinColin and Lee, Carrot and PeaHanda's SurpriseHappy Birthday, MaisyHello, Friend!Iris and Isaac£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25The Rainbow Fish + The Smartest Giant in Town + SuperwormThe 3 books:The Rainbow FishThe Smartest Giant in TownSuperworm£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to The Rainbow Fish, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about sharing what you have.
A 20-minute session for ages 3–6 (nursery to Year 1), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Pause when the other fish swim away and ask how the Rainbow Fish feels. Then talk about why giving his scales away made him happier, not sadder.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “Why wouldn’t the Rainbow Fish share his scales?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Shiny scale gift. Cut a fish from paper and stick on one shiny scale (foil works). Give it to someone and tell them why they’re a good friend. Children who finish early can try Share a treat.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The The Rainbow Fish activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
Aaaarrgghh, Spider! (Lydia Monks)
- Best for
- Fitting in, and giving someone different a chance
- Age
- 3-6
Alex and Alex (Ziggy Hanaor and Ben Javens)
- Best for
- Friends who like different things, and accepting each other
- Age
- 3-6
Alphonse, There's Mud on the Ceiling! (Daisy Hirst)
- Best for
- Playing together as siblings, and indoor versus outdoor games
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 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.