We're Going on a Picnic!: questions to ask and activities to try
Hen, Goose and Duck pack a picnic and set off to find the perfect spot, but their basket keeps getting lighter. We're Going on a Picnic! is a funny story where readers see what the friends don't.
What age is it for? We're Going on a Picnic! is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Spotting what the characters don't notice.
We're Going on a Picnic! (Pat Hutchins)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Spotting what the characters don't notice
Let your child spot who's taking the food on each page. Count the fruit as it disappears, and ask what the friends will find when they finally sit down.
What it helps with
- Noticing details others miss
- Counting things as they disappear
- Looking for the perfect place
- Laughing at a funny ending
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.
- “What fruit did each friend pick?”
- “Where did they want to have their picnic?”
- “Who was taking the fruit?”
- “Did the friends notice?”
- “What was left at the end?”
- “What would you take on a picnic?”
5-minute activities to try together
Indoor picnic
Have a picnic on the floor with toys, and secretly take one thing each turn. Does anyone notice?
Perfect spot
On a walk, choose the perfect picnic spot and say why.
Free printables: We're Going on a Picnic! 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
Rosie's Walk (Pat Hutchins)
- Best for
- Position words, and spotting what the character can't see
- Age
- 2-5
Handa's Surprise (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise
- Age
- 2-6
Hungry Hen (Richard Waring and Caroline Jayne Church)
- Best for
- A very simple story with a brilliant twist
- Age
- 2-6
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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.