My First How to Catch the Sandman
My First How to Catch Series
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
The book is a whimsical tale that follows a group of children on their quest to catch the elusive Sandman. As they embark on their adventure, they learn about the power of dreams and the importance of sleep, all while trying to outsmart the clever Sandman using various imaginative traps. It is part of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling 'How to Catch' series. The story is presented in a board book format, ideal for babies and toddlers, featuring charming rhymes, simple STEM traps, and bright illustrations. It encourages a dream-filled imagination and promises to spark bedtime fun, making it a perfect gift or festive read for ages 0-3.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Sandman does with all the dreams he collects?
How would you try to catch the Sandman if you had the chance?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could ask the Sandman one question, what would it be?
How do you think the story would change if you were in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own adventures by asking them to think of alternative ways to catch the Sandman. Discuss different dream scenarios and what makes them interesting or exciting. This will help deepen their understanding of the story's themes and enhance their creativity. Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, changing your tone and volume to match the narrative, making the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the young protagonist tries various creative methods to catch the Sandman, demonstrating determination despite initial failures.
Real-World Application: Children learn that consistent effort and not giving up in the face of difficulties is crucial, applicable in learning new skills or overcoming challenges at school.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative ideas to attempt to catch the Sandman, highlighting the power of innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve problems, be it in their playtime activities or academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of bedtime routines
Explanation: The story centers around bedtime, demonstrating a structured approach to catching the Sandman, thereby underscoring the importance of a bedtime routine.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the significance of having a consistent bedtime routine, which can aid better sleep and overall health.
Example Lesson: Learning from failure
Explanation: As the child in the story faces setbacks in catching the Sandman but continues to try, it teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is okay to fail and that failure is often a stepping stone to success. This can be applied in academic challenges or learning new games and sports.
Example Lesson: Sharing experiences with others
Explanation: The protagonist shares the journey of trying to catch the Sandman with family, fostering a shared family experience.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea of sharing personal experiences and stories with family and friends, enhancing social skills and emotional bonds.