Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn's Birthday
Ten Minutes To Bed Series
on Goodreads (87)
What’s inside...
In this enchanting installment of the 'Ten Minutes to Bed' series, it's Little Unicorn's birthday, and she's having a hard time settling down to sleep with all the excitement of her special day. The story follows the magical adventures of Little Unicorn as she is reminded that even on her birthday, bedtime is just ten minutes away. The book combines a soothing countdown with a whimsical narrative to help young readers wind down before bed. It's Twinkle the unicorn's birthday and she's too excited to sleep! It's ten minutes to bed, though...will she go to sleep on time? Find out in this delightful addition to Rhiannon Fielding's TEN MINUTES TO BED series. Full of balloons, presents and birthday fun (and a sprightly unicorn and her friends), little readers will love this calming tale before bed. It's Twinkle the unicorn's birthday and she's having a sleepover party! There are party games, presents, cake, balloons and even fireworks! But as Twinkle's dad counts down to bedtime, there's still a lot going on . . . will Twinkle and her friends go to sleep in time? Finishing on a gentle end, it's the perfect bedtime tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Twinkles
Discussion points
How do you think the Little Unicorn felt during the birthday celebration?
What would you wish for if you found a magical star like the Little Unicorn?
Why is it important to go to bed on time, even on special days like birthdays?
How do you think the story would change if the Little Unicorn chose not to go to bed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about different parts of the story, mirroring the excitement or concern of the characters.
Discuss the magical elements in the book and ask your child to imagine their own magical birthday adventure.
Relate the bedtime theme to your child’s routine, discussing the importance of rest even during exciting events.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out details and ask your child what they see and how those visuals make them feel.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Time management
Explanation: The story revolves around the Little Unicorn who needs to get to bed in ten minutes amidst the excitement of birthday celebrations. This presents a fun way to teach children about managing their time effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of sticking to a bedtime routine or schedule, helping them balance playtime and rest.
Example Lesson: Importance of listening to parents
Explanation: Little Unicorn's parents remind it repeatedly about bedtime, emphasizing parental guidance. The story subtly highlights the benefits of listening to and respecting one’s parents.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and heed their parents' instructions in daily activities, not just at bedtime.
Example Lesson: Celebrating milestones
Explanation: The story celebrates Little Unicorn's birthday, focusing on the joy of special occasions and creating memorable experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and look forward to significant events in their own and others' lives, understanding the importance of celebrating personal and shared milestones.
Example Lesson: Handling excitement responsibly
Explanation: Despite the excitement of the birthday party, Little Unicorn is tasked with the responsibility of going to bed on time. The story teaches children that it's okay to be excited, as long as they manage their responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to balance their emotions and duties during exciting times, such as holidays or family gatherings, ensuring they remain mindful of their behavior and responsibilities.