The Magic of Sleep: ... and the Science of Dreams
What’s inside...
This book explores the fascinating world of sleep and dreams, delving into the science behind why we sleep, what occurs in our brains during sleep, and the significance of dreams. It combines scientific explanations with magical elements to create an engaging narrative that appeals to a wide audience. Dive into the weird and wonderful world of sleep, from the science behind dreams to a peek into animal sleeping habits, in this incredible book for children aged 7 to 9. We spend about 26 years of our lives sleeping, but how much do you really know about what happens when your head hits the pillow? This book answers all your questions about what goes on in your head when you snooze, including the difference between light and deep sleep, where dreams come from, and how essential sleep is to staying healthy. Discover fascinating facts about how people slept in the past, and how people sleep in different ways around the world. Did you know that the oldest mattress was found in South Africa and is 77,000 years old? Vivid and engaging illustrations by Vicky Woodgate bring the topic to life. As well as humans, learn about the sleeping habits of other animals, from bears hibernating to how bats sleep upside down. Even plants sleep! Finally, learn how you can get a proper night's sleep with practical tips and ideas for meditation to calm your mind before bedtime. This book is ideal for children who have difficulty getting to sleep, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about how our brains and bodies work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think sleep is important for both people and animals?
What was the most interesting dream mentioned in the book, and what do you think it means?
How do you feel when you don't get enough sleep compared to when you have a good night's sleep?
Can you think of a time when you learned something from a dream?
What are some ways you can make your bedtime routine more magical?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about sleep and dreams to gauge their prior knowledge and engage their curiosity.
While discussing the book, relate the content to your child's personal experiences with sleep and dreams to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their dreams and discuss any emotions or thoughts they associate with those dreams.
Use a calm and soothing tone to mimic the theme of sleep, making the reading experience relaxing and educational.
After reading, consider establishing a creative bedtime routine inspired by the book to reinforce the importance of good sleep habits.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of sleep
Explanation: The book explores how sleep contributes to health and well-being, using engaging illustrations and simple explanations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing healthy bedtime routines to ensure they get enough sleep.
Example Lesson: Learning about the science of dreams
Explanation: Through captivating narratives, the book demystifies why we dream, integrating concepts of brain function and sleep stages.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to discuss their dreams and see them as a normal part of sleep, reducing any fear associated with nightmares.
Example Lesson: The value of consistency
Explanation: The book emphasizes the benefits of a consistent bedtime, explaining how it helps the body and mind.
Real-World Application: Children can practice consistency by sticking to a bedtime schedule, aiding in better sleep patterns and daytime alertness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity about human biology
Explanation: By delving into physiological processes during sleep, the book fosters a curiosity about how the human body works.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to explore more about human biology, science, and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-care
Explanation: The narrative encourages a holistic view of personal health, highlighting sleep as a crucial aspect of self-care.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking care of themselves, which can include relaxation techniques and understanding the need for rest.