The Bedtime Boat
What’s inside...
The Bedtime Boat is a whimsical tale that follows a young boy named Chandan as he embarks on a dreamy nighttime journey. After an exciting day, Chandan struggles to fall asleep, but his mother introduces him to a calming mindfulness technique involving a bedtime boat that sits on his tummy, rising and falling with his breath. As Chandan imagines sailing through the stars and over the seas, the bedtime boat keeps him grounded and gently lulls him into a relaxed and peaceful sleep. The book features stunning illustrations by Anastasia Suvorova and includes origami boat instructions to bring the bedtime boat to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little boy felt when he climbed aboard the Bedtime Boat?
What was your favorite part of the journey the Bedtime Boat took? Why?
If you could add a stop to the Bedtime Boat's journey, where would it be and what would you do there?
How do the different animals in the story contribute to the adventure?
What dreams do you think you'd have if you were on the Bedtime Boat tonight?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the scenery and characters using their own words, fostering their imagination and verbal skills.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book or to imagine a new scene, which helps develop creative thinking and fine motor skills.
Relate themes from the book to your child’s own bedtime experiences to make the story more personal and engaging.
Discuss the feelings of the characters at various points in the book, aiding in emotional development and empathy.
Suggest creating an alternate ending together, enhancing problem-solving skills and understanding of narrative structure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of a bedtime routine
Explanation: The story emphasizes the calming effects of having a set routine before bed, as depicted through the journey on the magical bedtime boat.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt a regular bedtime routine, promoting better sleep habits and overall well-being.
Example Lesson: Value of imagination
Explanation: The book showcases the adventures the characters experience, highlighting the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their creativity in play and storytelling, enhancing cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Throughout the voyage, characters encounter various scenarios that evoke feelings of excitement, fear, and joy, teaching children to navigate their emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their feelings in constructive ways, aiding emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: The characters aboard the bedtime boat work together to overcome challenges during their journey, emphasizing the benefits of working collaboratively.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or with friends, promoting social skills and cooperative behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing unknowns
Explanation: As the bedtime boat sails into uncharted waters, the characters learn to adapt and persist despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace new experiences and persist in the face of challenges, building resilience and confidence.