Priscilla and the Sandman
illustrations by
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Priscilla and the Sandman is an award-winning 32-page children's picture book by Anders Roseberg. After not wanting to go to bed night after night, Priscilla is told about the Sandman from her mother. In the turn of a page, she is visited by Mr. Sandman, an adorable, upright walking cat. With her stuffed toy Rabbit, the three of them wander off through the field of dreams toward the land of sweets. Priscilla learns that going to bed and having dreams can be more than exciting, it can be magical. The book features rhythmic prose where each line ends with the 'long-e' sound and realistic imagery in the pictures that immerses children into the magical world, making it a classic for all ages.
Age
2-7
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Priscilla felt when she met the Sandman? Can you describe a time when you met someone new?
What dream would you want the Sandman to bring you? Why is that dream special to you?
Why do you think sleep and dreams are important?
The Sandman took Priscilla on an adventure. If you could go on any adventure in your dreams, where would you go and what would you do?
How do you think the story would change if you were in it? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own dream worlds, just like Priscilla. After reading the book, ask them to draw or describe their perfect dream. Validate their feelings and thoughts about meeting new people or trying new things, relating them back to Priscilla's experiences. Discuss the importance of sleep and dreams, emphasizing how they help us process our day and imagine new possibilities. Most importantly, make the discussion fun and creative, using plenty of 'what if' scenarios to enhance their critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of a bedtime routine
Explanation: In the story, Priscilla's journey with the Sandman into the land of dreams is a magical depiction of a calming bedtime ritual which helps her fall asleep.
Real-World Application: Children can benefit from establishing their own bedtime routines, such as reading or quiet time, to help signal to their body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The fantastical adventures that Priscilla has with the Sandman highlight the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to engage in imaginative play can aid in creative thinking and problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fears
Explanation: Priscilla confronts various scenarios in her dreams that initially scare her, but she learns to navigate her fears with the help of the Sandman.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children that it's okay to be afraid and that with support and self-confidence, they can face and overcome their fears.