Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn's Christmas
Ten Minutes To Bed Series
What’s inside...
In 'Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn's Christmas' by Rhiannon Fielding, readers follow the enchanting story of a little unicorn who is not quite ready to go to bed on Christmas Eve. The book incorporates a magical countdown as the little unicorn embarks on a festive adventure, meeting various Christmas characters and experiencing the joys of the holiday season. As the ten-minute countdown progresses, the excitement of Christmas Eve unfolds, but the little unicorn is gently reminded of bedtime approaching. The story combines the themes of holiday excitement with the importance of a good night's rest, making it an ideal bedtime tale for young children. The narrative is designed to help kids wind down and prepare for sleep, even amidst the anticipation of Christmas morning.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Twinkles
Discussion points
How do you think Little Unicorn feels about Christmas?
What would you do if you were in the magical snowy world like Little Unicorn?
Why is it important for Little Unicorn to go to bed on time, even on Christmas Eve?
Can you think of a time when you were really excited but still had to follow the rules?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and animated tones to mimic the enchanting atmosphere of the story, making the reading session lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book and relate those parts to their own experiences of Christmas or bedtime routines.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the character is feeling, and why they might be feeling that way.
After reading, consider establishing a 'Ten Minutes to Bed' routine inspired by the book, discussing the importance of bedtime rituals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of following a routine
Explanation: In the story, the little unicorn is guided through a calming bedtime routine as Christmas approaches, highlighting the significance of following routines for winding down.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by establishing and adhering to their bedtime routines, helping them get sufficient rest and feel prepared for the next day.
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: Little Unicorn waits eagerly but patiently for Christmas, which teaches children the importance of patience during exciting times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children manage their excitement during holidays or while waiting for special events, practicing calmness and patience.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The Little Unicorn experiences the joy of sharing the holiday spirit with friends, showcasing the happiness derived from giving rather than receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find fulfillment in helping others and sharing, which can be practiced in everyday situations like sharing toys or helping family members.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The magical journey to bedtime showcases the power of imagination, where the little unicorn embarks on wondrous adventures.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to use their imagination can enhance their creative thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing feelings
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Little Unicorn expresses various emotions, from excitement to weariness, helping children understand the importance of acknowledging and expressing their feelings.
Real-World Application: This can guide children in expressing their own emotions appropriately and understanding others' feelings in day-to-day interactions.