Naomi Says Goodbye to Nightmares
Naomi Learns about Dreams and Nightmares Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The book, written by Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, a Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioral specialist, addresses the issue of children suffering from recurring nightmares. It tells the story of Naomi, a young girl who struggles with bad dreams every night until her grandmother teaches her and her parents effective coping strategies. This book aims to help children and parents understand how to deal with nightmares in a fun and engaging way, leading to better sleep for both kids and parents. The story introduces principles of nightmare coping, making it easy for parents to engage their kids in adopting these methods. An endnotes section provides additional advice for parents on topics covered in the story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Naomi feel when she faced her nightmares? Can you describe what she might have been feeling?
What are some ways that Naomi tried to say goodbye to her nightmares? Which one do you think was the most effective?
Have you ever had a bad dream? What helped you feel better?
Why do you think it's important for Naomi to confront her nightmares?
How did Naomi change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by using open-ended questions that allow for a wide range of responses.
Promote empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Naomi's shoes and explore her emotional journey throughout the book.
Discuss personal experiences with nightmares or fears and share strategies that each of you have used to overcome them.
Highlight Naomi’s bravery and problem-solving skills, and ask your child to think of times when they have shown similar qualities.
Reinforce the story’s message by discussing the importance of facing and overcoming fears, and how that helps us grow.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with fears
Explanation: Naomi, the protagonist, demonstrates various techniques to manage her fears of nightmares, which is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar strategies from the book, like thinking of positive scenarios or talking about their fears, to handle their own fears or nightmares.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Naomi faces the challenge of overcoming her nightmares, engaging in active problem-solving to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adopt a problem-solving mindset in their daily challenges, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Seeking help
Explanation: Naomi seeks advice from her parents and a counselor, illustrating the importance of asking for help when facing difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of communicating their problems and seeking guidance from trusted adults like parents or teachers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite her initial struggles, Naomi shows resilience by continuing to confront her nightmares until she finds ways to manage them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming personal fears or obstacles.
Example Lesson: Normalization of emotions
Explanation: The book portrays nightmares and fears as common issues, helping to normalize these feelings for children.
Real-World Application: Children are reassured that their fears are normal, which can reduce feelings of isolation or anxiety related to similar experiences.