The Good Little Mermaid's Guide to Bedtime
What’s inside...
This story follows a rebellious little mermaid who refuses to adhere to The Good Little Mermaid's Guide to Bedtime. Instead of getting ready for bed, she embraces her identity as a predator and terror of the deep, rejecting typical bedtime routines like cleaning up toys and brushing her teeth. The narrative, which is interspersed with hilarious illustrations, alternates between the guidebook's instructions and the mermaid's defiant actions, showcasing her fierce and ferocious nature. Will she ever go to sleep? The story's playful tone and adorable but very scary main character will captivate readers as they find out.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Good Little Mermaid was feeling sleepy? What helps you feel sleepy at bedtime?
What is your favorite part of the bedtime routine in the story? How does our bedtime routine compare?
How do the sea creatures help the Good Little Mermaid get ready for bed? Who helps you get ready for bed, and how do they help?
The Good Little Mermaid has special bedtime wishes. What would be your special bedtime wish and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite moments or characters in the book, linking them to the key questions listed. Use their favorite moments to delve deeper into understanding their bedtime needs and feelings. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about bedtime, mirroring the emotions displayed by characters in the story. Use descriptive praise to acknowledge their thoughts and efforts in drawing parallels between the story and their personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of routine
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the Good Little Mermaid prepares for bedtime with a consistent routine that includes tidying up toys and brushing her teeth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to develop their own bedtime routines, fostering independence and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Listening to guidance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Good Little Mermaid listens to her parents’ advice on why sleep is important which helps her understand and cooperate during bedtime.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of listening to parents and caregivers, which can be applied in following daily instructions or learning new tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of a good night's sleep
Explanation: The story highlights how sleeping well makes the Good Little Mermaid cheerful and energetic the next day.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own lives by understanding how sleeping affects their mood and energy levels, encouraging them to prioritize rest.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Before bed, the Good Little Mermaid reads a book, sparking her imagination as she dreams of fantastic underwater adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities like reading, which can enhance their imagination and creativity before bedtime.