Through the Magic Mirror: questions to ask and activities to try
Toby is fed up with everything, until he walks through the magic mirror. Through the Magic Mirror is Anthony Browne's first book, full of strange surprises to spot.
What age is it for? Through the Magic Mirror is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Being fed up, and seeing the world differently.
Through the Magic Mirror (Anthony Browne)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Being fed up, and seeing the world differently
Take your time on each page and let your child spot what's odd. Afterwards, ask what they'd do when they're fed up.
What it helps with
- Boredom and being fed up
- Looking closely at pictures
- Imagination and the strange
- Seeing ordinary things differently
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.
- “Why was Toby fed up?”
- “What happened when he went through the mirror?”
- “What strange things did you spot?”
- “Which was the funniest?”
- “Did Toby feel better afterwards?”
- “What do you do when you’re bored?”
5-minute activities to try together
Odd one out
Change one thing in a room, like an upside-down cushion, and see if your child spots it.
Mirror world
Look in a mirror together and imagine what the world behind it is like.
Free printables: Through the Magic Mirror 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
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- Age
- 3-7
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
Katie's Picture Show (James Mayhew)
- Best for
- A first visit to an art gallery
- Age
- 3-7
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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.