Edward's First Night Away (Edward the Unready)
Edward The Unready Series
on Goodreads (100)
What’s inside...
Edward the bear, who is sometimes emotionally unprepared for certain situations, faces some scary moments when a snowstorm strands him at Anthony's house and it looks like he might have to actually stay there all night.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Edward felt on his first night away from home? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Edward's family helped him feel more comfortable being away? Have we done something similar when you were nervous?
Why is it important to try new things, even if we might be scared at first?
What did Edward learn from his experience? What have you learned from trying something new?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about times they've been nervous or anxious, relating it back to Edward’s experiences.
Discuss the support systems Edward had in place and relate them to the support systems in your child's life. Highlight how they can always rely on family and friends.
Use the book to talk about resilience and the importance of facing new challenges, connecting it to personal growth and learning.
Validate any fear or anxiety they express by sharing your own experiences of trying something new or being away from home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Independence
Explanation: Edward faces the challenge of spending his first night away from home, demonstrating the importance of trying new, sometimes intimidating experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by confidently facing new situations such as attending a new school, or sleeping over at a friend’s house, understanding that feeling comfortable with independence is a part of growing up.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Throughout his adventure, Edward experiences a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, helping children recognize and express what they feel.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in identifying their emotions and communicating them effectively to parents or teachers especially in new or unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Support
Explanation: Characters in the story offer support and understanding to Edward as he navigates his feelings about being away from home, illustrating the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to support their peers who might be experiencing similar challenges, fostering a supportive and empathetic community among them.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Edward learns to adjust to a new environment during his night away, showcasing the importance of adaptability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be flexible and adapt to changes such as moving to a new place or adjusting to a different daily routine.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: By the end of the book, Edward gains confidence after successfully spending the night away from home, highlighting the growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to take on challenges that may seem daunting at first, helping them build self-esteem and personal growth.