Sloth Wasn't Sleepy
What’s inside...
One night, Sloth hears her mama say something about bedtime, but she can't imagine she could ever possibly be sleepy. With Mama's help, Sloth learns to calm down, relax, and fall asleep with the help of a bedtime story. For any child having trouble getting to sleep, the most lovable animal in the rain forest is here to help. One night at bedtime, Sloth wasn’t sleepy. 'What if I worry when I try to fall asleep?' Sloth said. 'Ah … worries,' Mama said. 'We will have to let them go.' A tough day, a bad dream, a scary noise … these are just a few of the things that can keep kids wide awake and frightened after dark. But Mama Sloth knows the secrets for calming worried minds and getting to sleep―and as she shares them with her daughter, young readers will learn valuable relaxation skills that last a lifetime. 'Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy' does more than provide a sweet bedtime story―kids will join Sloth to learn mindfulness practices such as 'shrinking down' fears in their mind and calming their body through breath and simple visualizations. Kate Messner’s beautiful book helps parents and kids relax into dreamland with a sense of peace, safety, and belonging.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sloth felt when she couldn’t sleep? What do you do when you can’t sleep?
Why do you think deep breathing helped Sloth feel better?
What bedtime routines do you find soothing, like the ones Sloth tried?
Why is it important to have calming activities before bed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Connect the story to your child's life by discussing their own bedtime routine and any challenges they face during bedtime.
Encourage your child to discuss their emotions by asking them how they feel when they experience similar situations as Sloth.
Discuss the importance of sleep and relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help reinforce these healthy habits.
Use expressive reading to emphasize the calm and soothing techniques used by Sloth, making the reading experience relaxing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of relaxation techniques
Explanation: In 'Sloth Wasn't Sleepy,' the mother sloth teaches her child various relaxation methods like deep breathing and visualizing calm scenes to help fall asleep.
Real-World Application: Children can use these methods to calm themselves in stressful situations or to settle down for bed.
Example Lesson: Patience and the value of taking things slow
Explanation: The sloth characters in the book move slowly and with purpose, demonstrating that not everything has to be rushed.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that it's okay to take their time to understand things thoroughly, whether in learning or daily activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The mother sloth attentively listens and responds to her child's concerns about not being able to sleep, showing empathy.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate and responsive to the feelings and needs of others around them.
Example Lesson: The importance of a bedtime routine
Explanation: The story revolves around a nighttime routine that helps the young sloth prepare for sleep.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to develop their bedtime routines, understanding that these routines help signal to our bodies that it's time to wind down and go to sleep.
Example Lesson: Connection with nature
Explanation: The imagery and setting of the book emphasize a close relationship with nature, using the natural environment to aid relaxation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to utilize elements of nature as a calming influence and appreciate the natural world around them.