No Matter What Reading Guide & Activities | Ages 12 Months–8 Years

Turn storytime into an opportunity to read together, create together, and grow together with this printable companion guide for No Matter What, written and illustrated by Debi Gliori.

Designed for children ages 12 months through 8 years, this guide helps you enjoy the story at your child’s developmental level—without turning reading time into a lesson or quiz. Start by simply enjoying the book together. Then, return to the story whenever you are ready to explore its message of unconditional love through meaningful questions, reassuring connection, and a hands-on activity. 

Inside this 12-page guide, you’ll find:

• Three During Reading Tips to bring the characters’ emotions and reassuring message to life
• Age-appropriate After Reading Questions for:
• 12–18 months
• 18–24 months
• Ages 2–4
• Ages 5–8
• Guidance showing where to ask each question, which skill it supports, and how to help your child respond
• A complete materials list and step-by-step directions for a book-inspired craft
• Bonus Family Conversation Questions for ages 2–4 and 5–8
• Opportunities to build emotional awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, perspective-taking, problem-solving, critical thinking, and connection skills

About the activity

The activity includes opportunities for painting, cutting, folding, gluing, and making creative choices together. It extends the story beyond the book while giving families time to continue talking about love, belonging, emotions, and what it means to be loved “no matter what.”

The goal is not a picture-perfect project—it is the connection, conversation, creativity, and time spent making something together.

This guide is a good fit for families who want to:

• Reassure children that they are loved through mistakes and big feelings
• Talk about unconditional love in an age-appropriate way
• Make storytime more interactive and meaningful
• Ask questions that fit their child’s age and abilities
• Build emotional vocabulary and comprehension skills
• Enjoy a prepared craft without having to plan everything themselves

Please note

This is a digital PDF download. No physical book, printed guide, or craft supplies will be mailed.

You will need access to a copy of No Matter What by Debi Gliori to use the reading portions of this guide. The book may be borrowed from your local library or purchased separately.

Recommended ages: 12 months–8 years

Format: Printable digital PDF

Length: 12 pages

Included activity: 1