Puffin Sleepy Tales: Ten stories to relax and calm busy young minds at bedtime
What’s inside...
Puffin Sleepy Tales is a collection of ten soothing stories designed to help children aged 7+ relax and wind down before bedtime. Developed with The Children's Sleep Charity, each story is crafted to be gentle and calming, incorporating rich calming sound effects, gentle breathing exercises, and readings that promote a tranquil atmosphere. The tales are ideal for the hour before bed and can be integrated into the nightly routine. The stories include 'The Winter Stones', 'The Famous Fish', 'The Old Workshop', 'The Night Balloon', 'The Weaver's House', 'The Incredible Reef', 'The Garden Wall', 'The Sunset Beach', 'The Happiness Potion', and 'The Night Sky'.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which story made you feel the most relaxed and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the characters in the story?
What is your favorite way to get ready for bed, similar to how the characters settled down?
How do you think the characters felt at the beginning and how did they feel at the end of the story?
If you could create your own relaxing bedtime story, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading environment that mimics bedtime for the characters in the book, using soft lighting and comfortable seating. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the stories and relate them to their own bedtime experiences. After reading, lead a gentle discussion using the questions, linking the themes of relaxation and calmness to their bedtime routine. Reinforce the soothing elements of the story by revisiting favorite tales as part of your nightly routine.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of relaxation and calmness
Explanation: Through soothing narratives designed for bedtime, the book teaches children the significance of unwinding and quieting their minds to prepare for sleep.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by developing pre-sleep routines that help them transition from active play to a more serene state, aiding better sleep hygiene.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The stories often feature characters with diverse viewpoints and situations, showing children how to empathize with others.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson in real life by acknowledging and respecting differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Various tales involve characters who face dilemmas and resolve them, illustrating effective problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to approach challenges with patience and creativity, skills they can use in school and social situations.
Example Lesson: The value of routine
Explanation: The book emphasizes the power of bedtime stories as a part of nightly rituals, highlighting the comfort and security routines provide.
Real-World Application: Children can incorporate and maintain regular schedules for daily activities, fostering a sense of stability and discipline.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The creative and fantastical elements of the stories stoke the imagination, underscoring its role in cognitive development and entertainment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play, storytelling, and problem-solving, enhancing their creativity and mental flexibility.