The Insomniacs
What’s inside...
The wonder of nighttime comes to life in this breathtaking debut. When the Insomniacs move twelve time zones away for Mrs. Insomniac's new job, the family struggles to adapt to the change. Despite trying everything to fall asleep at night, nothing helps. Eventually, they venture out into the dark and discover a world still awake, finding beauty in their new unconventional schedule. This gorgeous and lyrical story, ideal for bedtime reading, celebrates the mystery and magic of nighttime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Insomniacs couldn't sleep when they moved to their new home?
How do the Insomniacs adapt their lifestyle to cope with their inability to sleep at night?
What are some ways the Insomniacs explore and learn about the night world? Can you think of any activities you would like to do at night?
How do you feel about the dark and the night time? What are some things you enjoy or dislike about it?
How do the Insomniacs come together as a family to solve their problem? How do we solve problems as a family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a soft and comforting tone to discuss the theme of darkness and night, which can be unsettling for some children.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving or coping with changes, relating their experiences to those of the Insomniacs.
Highlight the aspect of exploration and learning in the book to inspire curiosity about the world at different times of the day.
Discuss family teamwork depicted in the book and relate it to your own family’s methods of problem solving and supporting each other.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story explores how the Insomniac family adapts to their new nocturnal lifestyle after moving to a new timezone. They explore and embrace the peculiarities of the night, showcasing adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to new environments or situations, whether it's moving to a new place or adjusting to a new classroom.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The Insomniacs come together as a family to solve their inability to sleep at night, showing the power of family support and togetherness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and rely on family support during times of change or challenges.
Example Lesson: Discovering One’s Unique Path
Explanation: As members of the Insomniac family each find different night-time activities that suit them, the book champions discovering and respecting individual interests and paths.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and embrace their own unique talents and interests, understanding that everyone has different preferences and strengths.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The Insomniacs engage in learning about nocturnal animals and the night sky, which fosters a sense of curiosity and ongoing learning.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be curious about the world around them and to seek knowledge continuously.