The Power of Pause: Why Each Book Ends with Questions

Helping Children Make Sense of Feelings, One Story at a Time

Why Questions Matter in Children’s Books

As adults, we often finish a story and move straight on to the next task. But for children, stories are a gateway to processing the world around them - a chance to explore emotions, relationships, and right from wrong in a gentle, imaginative space.

That’s why every Percy the Patterdale Pup story ends with reflective questions.

They’re not just nice add-ons.

They’re intentional, thoughtful prompts designed to:

• Deepen understanding

• Open up conversations

• Encourage empathy and self-awareness

• Empower children to find their own answers

In short? They invite a pause. And in that pause, powerful things happen.

The Importance of Reflection for Young Minds

Children learn through repetition, rhythm, and reflection. While stories introduce ideas and situations, it's the act of talking about them that helps children connect the story to their own lives.

Let’s break it down.

Here’s what reflection helps with:

🎭 Emotional Intelligence – Children begin to label feelings ("Was Percy scared? Why? Have you ever felt that way?")

💬 Language Development – By answering open questions, children build vocabulary and expressive skills.

🧠 Cognitive Growth – They practise critical thinking by comparing the story to their own experiences.

🫶 Social Awareness – Questions highlight cause-and-effect, decision-making, and how actions impact others.

And most importantly?

Reflection creates connection - between you and your child, and between the child and themselves.

What Makes a Good Story Question?

Not all questions are created equal. The best ones are open-ended, simple, and emotionally intelligent.

Each Percy story ends with a few questions from different characters - like Rosie the pony or Mother Fox - designed to:

• Give the child different perspectives

• Prompt empathy by putting themselves in another’s paws

• Spark discussion, not just "yes or no" answers

  
  

For example:

“Why do you think the fox cubs were being a bit naughty and not going to sleep?”

“Have you ever helped someone before? How did it make you feel inside?”

“What’s a good way to have fun and be careful at the same time?”

These types of questions encourage critical reflection and provide an opportunity for children to:

• Recognise emotions

• Build confidence in their ideas

• Develop listening and discussion skills

Why We Call It “The Pause”

Children live in a fast world. Screens flicker. Toys talk. Lessons rush by.

But Percy’s stories were made to slow things down.

We call the questions section “The Pause” because it signals:

🧘 A time to stop

💬 A moment to think

👂 A chance to listen

Parents and teachers often tell us it’s their favourite part—because that’s when children open up. Not just about Percy and his forest friends, but about themselves.

The Role of Adults in the Conversation

You don’t need to be a therapist or an expert in child development to make these moments matter. You just need to be present.

Here’s how you can make the most of The Pause:

1. Don’t rush

Let the questions breathe. Even if your child stays quiet, they’re still processing.

2. Be curious, not corrective

There are no wrong answers. If they say something surprising, explore it gently:

“That’s interesting—what made you think that?”

3. Share your own story

Kids love knowing grown-ups get nervous too. Add a little of your own:

“I remember getting lost once, just like Fawney…”

4. Keep it age-appropriate

Younger children may give short answers. That’s fine. Over time, they’ll build confidence.

Benefits for Parents and Teachers

Adding The Pause to your routine isn’t just great for children—it helps grown-ups, too.

Here's how:

👨‍👩‍👧 Strengthens Connection – Turns story-time into quality time.

📚 Enhances Learning – Teachers can link emotional themes to classroom topics.

💡 Reveals Hidden Feelings – Sometimes, a child will say more in response to a character than in a direct question.

🕊️ Builds Emotional Safety – Children feel heard, supported, and understood.

Real Moments from Real Readers

We’ve had wonderful feedback from families and schools using The Pause:

“My daughter told me about a time she felt left out—something she hadn’t shared until we read Simon the Squirrel.”

— Parent of a 6-year-old

“We use the questions at circle time in class. It helps the children open up in a way they usually don’t.”

— Primary School Teacher, Year 2

How to Use The Pause at Home or in School

At Home:

• Make The Pause part of your bedtime routine

• Let your child pick their favourite question to answer

• Follow it up the next day—“Remember what Percy did last night?”

In the Classroom:

• Use it as a literacy or PSHE discussion starter

• Pair it with a creative activity—drawing, roleplay, or writing a new ending

• Use questions to create learning moments linked to emotional themes.

  
  

Final Thoughts - Small Questions, Big Impact

In a world of fast content and constant stimulation, The Pause is a quiet invitation to connect, reflect, and grow.

It’s where the story becomes a conversation.

And the character becomes a mirror.

And your child becomes more confident in their own inner voice.

Want to Try It?

Start with Percy’s After-Dark Adventure: Hide and Seek Cubs.

At the end, you’ll find gentle, guiding questions that make for the perfect first “Pause.”

Explore the Book

👉 [Join Percy’s Pack for more journal entries and printable conversation prompts]