The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep: A New Way of Getting Children to Sleep
Helping Children Fall Asleep Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (2,243)
What’s inside...
This story follows Roger the Rabbit and his quest to find sleep with the help of his mother and other characters. The book uses psychological techniques to help children unwind and fall asleep. This #1 bestseller has been parent-approved and child-tested, offering a calming end to a child's day. The audiobook includes two readings and relaxing music, providing an innovative bedtime routine for families worldwide.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Roger The Rabbit
Discussion points
How do you think Roger the Rabbit feels when he can't fall asleep? What helps him feel better?
What are some things that help you feel sleepy? Are they similar to what Roger tries?
Why do you think the author chose a rabbit to tell this story? What characteristics of a rabbit might relate to the story's message?
Can you think of any other animals that might have trouble sleeping? What might help them fall asleep?
What was your favorite part of the bedtime journey in the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child about their current bedtime routine and how they feel about it.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by discussing times when they had trouble sleeping and what helped them.
Encourage your child to imagine and discuss alternative endings or additional tools that could help Roger fall asleep.
Use a calm, soothing voice to mimic the cadence of the story, enhancing the book’s sleepy effect as you discuss it.
Finish your discussion by planning a relaxing bedtime activity inspired by the book, such as imagining a peaceful place, which might help reinforce the book’s theme and effects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sleep
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of a good night's sleep through the journey of the rabbit who struggles to fall asleep.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of sleep in their own lives, recognizing how it helps them grow, focus, and stay healthy.
Example Lesson: Relaxation Techniques
Explanation: Different characters in the book use various techniques to help the rabbit relax and eventually sleep, such as storytelling and gentle comforting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn and apply these relaxation methods before bed or in stressful situations to calm themselves.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The rabbit's continual effort to fall asleep, despite difficulties, teaches persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or dealing with day-to-day obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Other characters in the book show concern and aid the rabbit in his quest to sleep, depicting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize when someone else is in need and how they can help, fostering empathy and kindness in their interactions.