5 Little Ways to Keep the Adventure Going After Storytime

You’ve reached the last page. The book is closing. Someone should probably be getting ready for bed.

And then comes: “But what happens NEXT?”

Around here, that is how a tiny panda ends up on another adventure—and how bedtime gets delayed by a very important discussion about whether ducks need biscuit cupboards. 🤣

You don’t need a big project to keep a story going. Pick one of these little ideas, follow your child’s curiosity, and see where it takes you. A few minutes is plenty.

1. Draw what happens next

Offer some paper and pencils and ask: “What might happen after the story ends?”

Perhaps the characters go home for tea. Perhaps they discover a strange footprint. Perhaps someone opens a bakery, which Bam would consider an excellent ending.

Stick figures, scribbles, and wonderfully crooked houses are welcome. If your child would rather tell you about their picture, you can write down their words—or simply listen.

2. Give a character a new problem

Start with something small and silly:

“Bam’s biscuits have disappeared. Where should he look first?”

Let your child decide what happens. Who helps? Are there clues? Was the biscuit tin empty—or did someone move it?

Take turns adding a sentence. You might begin with a missing snack and finish with a dragon who has crumbs on their nose. That’s the fun of it.

3. Act out a favorite moment

Choose a short scene and bring it into the room.

A cushion can become a train seat. A blanket can mark the edge of a forest. You can make the sound of the Twilight Express arriving while your child checks everyone’s imaginary tickets.

Funny voices are encouraged. So are changes to the story. If your conductor decides the train stops at Pancake Mountain, I think we should hear them out.

Prefer a quieter version? Let toys act out the scene while you sit together.

4. Invent somewhere new

Ask: “Where could the characters visit that isn’t in the book?”

Draw a simple map together. Add a path, a place to rest, and something curious to discover. A forest of enormous flowers? A little door in a tree? A bridge that hums when someone crosses?

Your child can name the places, dictate directions, or tell you who lives there.

And if the path wanders off the paper, another sheet can always become the next part of the adventure.

5. Make room for someone

In A Place Beside Me, Ziggy notices Remy standing at the edge of a gathering. He moves a few things on the bench and offers them a place beside him.

After reading, try asking: “What would you do if someone wanted to join your adventure?”

Perhaps your child would offer a seat, explain the game, or ask what the new friend likes doing. You could draw another character into your picture or invite a toy to join the imaginary train ride.

Let your child choose how the welcome happens. They may think of something you hadn’t.

A little adventure is enough

Some days, you’ll fill several pages. Other days, you’ll invent one ridiculous character name and go back to your toast.

Both count.

You don’t have to try all five ideas, buy special supplies, or turn every book into an activity. Sometimes reading together is the whole adventure. These are simply a few things to reach for when someone asks, “What happens next?”

And if you’d like something ready to print, Ziggy’s FREE Little Explorer Activity Pack has five activities across seven printable pages.

Download Ziggy’s Free Activity Pack

Happy little adventuring,

J.S. 🐼💜