Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait . . . and Wait . . . and Wait
What’s inside...
In a celebration of delayed gratification, New York Times bestselling duo Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell give readers a new self-help book for kids that explains why waiting can be wonderful—and can give you a reason to cheer all year round, from New Year's Day to Kwanzaa, and all the holidays in between. Just one more sleep…Waiting is not easy—especially for children. Often they measure the concept of time in how many more sleeps until the exciting day comes, when there is so much to do, so many exciting things to explore, and so many holidays to celebrate! In a buoyant book that channels childhood exuberance, Jamie Lee Curtis makes it clear why waiting is worth it. And with Laura Cornell’s bold and humorous artwork helping readers celebrate and appreciate milestones throughout the year, this is a story worth waiting for—and one kids will want to read over and over again.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the little raccoon feel impatient while waiting, and how does that compare to a time you had to wait for something special?
How do you think waiting helped the characters appreciate their experiences more?
What are some ways the animals in the story tried to pass their time while waiting? Can you think of a fun activity you’d like to do while waiting for something?
How did the feelings of the characters change from the beginning of the story to the end?
Why is it sometimes important to wait for things we want?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the theme of waiting in the story to a real-life situation that your child has experienced, such as waiting for a birthday or a holiday. This can help them connect personally with the story.
Encourage your child to think about and discuss the emotions that the characters felt in the story, linking them to their own emotions when they have to wait.
After reading, engage in a fun ‘waiting’ game, like Freeze or Statues, to make the concept enjoyable and relatable.
Ask your child to draw or describe an event they are looking forward to, discussing the feelings of anticipation and patience required.
Utilize the examples from the story to teach practical tips for managing impatience, such as breathing exercises or distraction techniques.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: This book follows the story of a child eagerly awaiting special events, teaching the value of patience through repetitive waiting scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to manage their expectations and emotions while waiting for birthdays, holidays, or even daily activities like waiting for a turn on a swing.
Example Lesson: Time Perception
Explanation: The book explores different units of time (hours, days) to measure waiting periods, helping children grasp the concept of time.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and use time-related expressions, improving their ability to schedule and anticipate upcoming events.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As the character faces multiple instances of delay, resilience is fostered by coping positively with these moments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to bounce back and find joy in daily activities, despite minor setbacks or delays.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Seeing the character's struggles with waiting, readers are encouraged to empathize with others’ feelings of anticipation or frustration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more understanding and supportive when others around them are also waiting or experiencing disappointment.
Example Lesson: Gratification Delay
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that good things come to those who wait, embedding the lesson of delayed gratification.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to improve self-control and decision making, especially about rewarding but challenging tasks like saving money or completing homework before playing.