Sam Can't Sleep
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
Sam Can't Sleep is a delightful tale of a young boy named Sam who finds himself wide awake when he should be fast asleep. As the night progresses, Sam embarks on a whimsical adventure in his quest for slumber, encountering a cast of imaginative characters and situations that captivate the reader's sense of wonder. A restless bat wakes every animal in the jungle as he asks why he can’t sleep. Only when the sun comes up does he find his answer. When Sam can’t sleep, he decides to ask all the other animals in the jungle if they know why. But Elephant, Snake, Monkey, Tiger and Crocodile aren’t very happy about being woken up in the middle of the night. Will Sam ever find out why he can’t sleep? With a colorful palette that is exciting yet impeccable for nighttime, Sam Can’t Sleep is the perfect “can’t-get-to-sleep” bedtime story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Sam can't sleep? What do you do when you find it hard to sleep?
How do Sam's feelings change throughout the story and what causes these changes?
What are some things that Sam tries to help him sleep? Have you ever tried any of these methods?
If you could give Sam advice on getting a good night's sleep, what would you tell him?
How do you think the story would change if it was you instead of Sam?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about bedtime, relating their experiences to Sam's in the story.
Discuss the importance of sleep and healthy bedtime routines, using Sam's experiences as a starting point.
Help your child connect with the story by asking them to imagine alternative solutions for Sam's sleep troubles.
Use the questions to guide a brainstorming session with your child on creating a comforting bedtime environment, similar to what Sam might have needed.
Reinforce empathy by asking your child how they think Sam felt during different parts of the story and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Sam Can't Sleep', Sam faces the challenge of not being able to sleep and explores several strategies to overcome it.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of addressing issues and trying different solutions, which they can apply when they face challenges in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: When Sam's parents and friends try to help him sleep, it demonstrates how caring and understanding others can positively impact someone's experience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to help and understand the feelings of their peers, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: As Sam tries multiple methods to fall asleep, his persistence is highlighted, showing that not giving up is crucial even when solutions are not immediately apparent.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving their goals, such as mastering a new skill or completing a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of a bedtime routine
Explanation: The book highlights various bedtime routines that could aid in better sleep, emphasizing the need for consistency.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the benefits of having a personal bedtime routine, which can improve their sleep habits and overall daily functioning.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: Sam's imaginative attempts to fall asleep showcase creative thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their daily lives, whether in solving problems, creating art, or engaging in play.