The Tin Forest: questions to ask and activities to try
An old man dreams of a forest and builds one from tin in a junkyard. The Tin Forest is a poetic, award-winning fable about hope and nature.
What age is it for? The Tin Forest is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Turning a junkyard into a living forest.
The Tin Forest (Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Turning a junkyard into a living forest
Read it slowly and watch the pictures change from grey to green. Talk about how dreams and hard work change things.
What it helps with
- Hope and persistence
- Recycling and creativity
- Nature returning
- Imagination
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 old man live?”
- “What did he dream of?”
- “What did he build?”
- “What arrived?”
- “How did the place change?”
- “What would you build from junk?”
5-minute activities to try together
Junk sculpture
Make a tree or animal from recycling.
Grey to green
Draw a place before and after nature returns.
Free printables: The Tin Forest 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 Concrete Garden (Bob Graham)
- Best for
- Creativity, community and hope
- Age
- 3-7
The Wombles (Elisabeth Beresford)
- Best for
- Making good use of bad rubbish
- Age
- 6-9
Flower Block (Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang)
- Best for
- Nature, wonder and growing things in the city
- 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.