Too Small Tola: questions to ask and activities to try
Tola is small but very determined. Too Small Tola is three charming family stories set in Lagos, Nigeria.
What age is it for? Too Small Tola is best for ages 6–8. Good for: Being small, determined and strong.
Too Small Tola (Atinuke and Onyinye Iwu)
- Age
- 6-8
- Best for
- Being small, determined and strong
Read a story at a time. Talk about how Tola shows her strength in different ways.
What it helps with
- Being the smallest
- Determination
- Family life in Nigeria
- Chapter books
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 does Tola live?”
- “Who is in her family?”
- “Why do people think she’s too small?”
- “How did she prove them wrong?”
- “What’s Grandmummy like?”
- “When have you surprised people?”
5-minute activities to try together
Market trip
Make a shopping list and count out the money, like Tola.
Strong list
List ways your child is strong that aren't about size.
Free printables: Too Small Tola 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
Anna Hibiscus (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- Big family life in West Africa, in a first chapter book
- Age
- 6-9
Titch (Pat Hutchins)
- Best for
- Being the youngest and smallest
- Age
- 2-5
Gigantic (Rob Biddulph)
- Best for
- Being the smallest, and being brave when it counts
- 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.