Time for Bed, Miyuki
Miyuki Series
What’s inside...
A beautifully illustrated story for any young reader whose imagination peaks at bedtime, from award-winning children’s book author Roxane Maria Galliez, with stunning Japanese-inspired artwork by Seng Soun Ratanavanh. Miyuki doesn’t want to go to bed—there are just too many things to do! She needs to water the vegetables, gather snails, and prepare for the arrival of the Dragonfly Queen. Luckily, her patient grandfather follows along on her adventures, gently encouraging her to go to sleep. In this beautiful intergenerational story about family, nature, and love, young children and their parents will find a welcome companion for their own bedtime journey. The book has received Outstanding Merit from the Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year and has been praised by The Children's Book Review for its striking artwork and dreamy stage, as well as being described as 'gloriously colorful and imaginative' by The New York Times Book Review.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Miyuki takes so long to get ready for bed?
What are some of your favorite bedtime rituals, similar to Miyuki's?
How do the different characters help Miyuki in her bedtime preparations?
What do you think the story tells us about patience and assistance from others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own bedtime routine with Miyuki’s, highlighting the importance of preparation for sleep.
Discuss the role of each character in helping Miyuki, emphasizing community support and teamwork.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about bedtime, reinforcing a positive bedtime approach.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Time for Bed, Miyuki,' Miyuki's grandfather patiently helps her complete her evening tasks and prepares her for bed, despite her numerous delays.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value patience in daily interactions, understanding that some tasks and routines require time and should not be rushed.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story showcases Miyuki interacting with elements of nature as she prepares for bed, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and respect their natural surroundings, learning to appreciate and care for plants and animals.
Example Lesson: The significance of bedtime routines
Explanation: Miyuki's elaborate bedtime preparations highlight the benefits of having a consistent routine to end the day peacefully.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of consistency and routine, aiding them in winding down effectively and getting sufficient rest.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, Miyuki uses her creativity to perform her evening rituals, turning mundane tasks into imaginative adventures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in everyday tasks, making routines enjoyable and engaging, which can enhance their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Learning to prioritize
Explanation: Miyuki learns to prioritize her tasks with the gentle guidance of her grandfather, ensuring she accomplishes what is necessary before bedtime.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in setting priorities in their daily activities, making sure important tasks such as homework or tidying are completed before leisure activities.