The Snowy Day: questions to ask and activities to try
Peter wakes up to snow and spends a magical day exploring it. A Caldecott Medal classic about the simple wonder of a snowy day.
What age is The Snowy Day for?
The Snowy Day is best for ages 2–5.
The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- The wonder of snow, and exploring the world on your own terms
Only 50pThe Snowy Day 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 ↓
Talk about each thing Peter does in the snow. Ask what happened to the snowball in his pocket, and why.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 2–5 (nursery to Reception)
- What they'll enjoy
- Peter wakes up to snow and spends a magical day exploring it. A Caldecott Medal classic about the simple wonder of a snowy day.
- Helps with
- The wonder of snow, and exploring the world on your own terms
- 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
- Exploring outdoors
- Noticing the seasons
- Simple scientific questions
- Playing independently
Comprehension and discussion questions for The Snowy Day
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 did Peter do first in the snow?”
- “How did he make different footprints?”
- “Why couldn’t he join the big boys’ snowball fight?”
- “What happened to the snowball in his pocket?”
- “What would you do on a snowy day?”
- “What did Peter do the next day?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for The Snowy Day
All 6 questions for The Snowy Day 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
Melting test
Put an ice cube in a pocket-sized bag somewhere warm. Check it later: what happened, and why?
Footprint art
Press toys or feet into play dough or sand to make different prints, like Peter in the snow.
The Snowy Day 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.
Nature & the World bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:Because of an AcornBeware of the CrocodileChristopher NibbleDot.Errol's GardenHot HippoHungry HenKatie's Picture ShowOnce Upon a JungleOnce Upon a StarOur Very Own DogRainSurprising SharksThe Bog BabyThe Boy Who Lost His Bumble£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25The Snowy Day + Because of an Acorn + Beware of the CrocodileThe 3 books:The Snowy DayBecause of an AcornBeware of the Crocodile£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 Snowy Day, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about exploring outdoors.
A 20-minute session for ages 2–5 (nursery to Reception), 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: Talk about each thing Peter does in the snow. Ask what happened to the snowball in his pocket, and why.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What did Peter do first in the snow?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Melting test. Put an ice cube in a pocket-sized bag somewhere warm. Check it later: what happened, and why? Children who finish early can try Footprint art.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The The Snowy Day 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
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- Best for
- Sea creatures, rhymes and joining in
- Age
- 2-5
Handa's Hen (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Counting animals while searching for a missing hen in Kenya
- Age
- 2-5
Mister Seahorse (Eric Carle)
- Best for
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- Age
- 2-5
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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.
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