Tillie & Clementine Noises in the Night
#1 in Tillie & Clementine Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Tillie and Clementine live with their parents in an old brick house in Benton Park. One night, when their mom goes to a neighborhood meeting and leaves their dad in charge, he makes dinner, gets the girls ready for bed, and tells them a thrilling bedtime story. Later, strange noises from outside their window wake the girls. The book features a story within a story, where the dad tells a bedtime tale about two princesses set in a medieval world. As the finale of the book mirrors the bedtime story, young readers learn to recognize patterns and themes in literature. Expressive and humorous illustrations encourage kids to read and reread the stories, and challenging words are made accessible through context clues in the text and artwork.
Discussion points
What do you think Tillie felt when she heard the noises? Have you ever heard strange noises at night? How did you feel?
Why do you think Clementine reacted differently to the noises compared to Tillie?
If you were Tillie or Clementine, what would you have done when you heard the noises?
What do you think the story teaches us about fear and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book, validate your child's feelings about fear by sharing a personal story of a time you felt scared.
Encourage your child to think about the different characters' reactions by asking what they would have done in the same situation.
Highlight themes of bravery and problem-solving, asking your child to come up with alternative solutions to the problems Tillie and Clementine face.
Use a calm and reassuring tone to make your child comfortable in expressing their fears or concerns.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Tillie confronts the strange noises she hears at night, showcasing her bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's darkness, monsters under the bed, or new experiences.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Tillie’s adventure to find the source of the noises illustrates a natural curiosity and desire to explore.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about their surroundings and to seek answers through exploration.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Tillie uses her reasoning to investigate the noises, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems in their daily life with logic and creativity.
Example Lesson: The importance of imagination
Explanation: The story’s adventurous night ignites the imagination, showing how perceived fears can be normal everyday things.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination to transform fears into interesting stories and creatively think about the world.
Example Lesson: Family support
Explanation: Tillie’s family plays a supportive role, providing a safety net as she explores the unknown.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the role of family as a source of encouragement and safety in trying new things.