The Tiger Who Came to Tea: questions to ask and activities to try
A tiger rings the doorbell at teatime and eats everything. This British classic is a funny, gentle way to talk about what we do when plans suddenly change.
What age is it for? The Tiger Who Came to Tea is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Judith Kerr)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly
Read it for the fun of the tiger first. Next time, pause when the cupboards are empty and ask what your child would do. The family's calm new plan is the bit worth talking about.
Why I like this one
I like how calm everyone stays in this book. A tiger eats all the food in the house, and Sophie's mummy just carries on, and then they go out for dinner instead. It's quietly brilliant for children who find a change of plan very upsetting.
It's an older book, so some of the family set-up feels dated, and that can be worth chatting about too. The question I'd ask is simple: “What could you do if the plan suddenly changed?”
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Plans changing without warning
- Staying calm when something surprising happens
- Finding a new plan together
- Welcoming visitors, even unusual ones
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.
- “How did Sophie feel when the tiger came in?”
- “What did the tiger eat and drink?”
- “What problem did the family have after the tiger left?”
- “What was Daddy’s new plan?”
- “Has a plan ever changed suddenly for you?”
- “What would you give a tiger for tea?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tiger tea party
Set up a teddy tea party. Halfway through, the tiger eats everything! Decide together what the new plan is.
Plan B
Next time a plan changes, ask “What would Sophie's family do?” and think of a plan B together.
Free printables: The Tiger Who Came to Tea 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 Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz)
- Best for
- A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair
- Age
- 4-8
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 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.