Hushabye
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
A long day is drawing to a close, and several creatures are ready for sleep. A cat with a stroller full of kittens needs a place to rest, as does the baby who’s been sailing a boat on the sea. The man in the moon is exhausted, and three tired bears make their weary way up a flight of stairs. Soon, though, each has found a place for the night where they can sleep and wake up ready for a new day. Featuring a simple story and the repeated refrain 'Hushabye hush hush,' John Burningham’s latest is the perfect lullabye to soothe even the most restless little one.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story make you feel when the characters were getting ready for bed?
What was your favorite part of the bedtime routine in the book? Why?
How do the illustrations in the book help you understand how the characters are feeling?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to settle down and be quiet at bedtime?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as any of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by finding a cozy and quiet reading spot to emulate the calming atmosphere in 'Hushabye'.
Use a soothing voice to mirror the hush and serene setting of the book, creating a relaxing reading experience.
Pause after reading each page to allow your child to absorb the illustrations and connect with the characters’ emotions.
Encourage your child to talk about their own bedtime routine and how it compares to the story, helping them draw personal connections.
Be receptive to their thoughts and responses to the story, reinforcing that their opinions and feelings are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters in 'Hushabye' display understanding and care for each other’s feelings, even when they face challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to acknowledge and respect the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering a supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces fears and makes brave choices to help friends in need.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared, but also important to act courageously.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together to solve problems, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities that require cooperation and mutual respect to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters continue to try despite setbacks, highlighting the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up easily in their daily tasks or long-term goals.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: Acts of kindness are a recurring theme in 'Hushabye', showing the impact of compassionate behavior on others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to integrate acts of kindness into everyday interactions, enhancing their ability to connect with others empathetically.