A tired, grumpy child does not want to go to sleep because he is not sleepy! Sound familiar? In this book, Baby Owl insists he is NOT sleepy or ready for bed. He is just stretching, feeling bored, and thinking! Join Baby Owl in this entertaining bedtime story and find out how Dad finally gets Baby Owl to sleep. This may become one of your toddler’s bedtime favorites.
Before, During and After Reading
Beginning Writing
Your toddler is developing her fine motor skills (that lead to later writing) by exploring objects and materials. Hand her the board book and give her time to handle and explore the book, look at pictures and turn pages. See if she rotates the book right side up. Can she turn the pages? Ask her to point to pictures (e.g., the Baby Owl, a leaf, a tree, Baby Owl’s leg or eye). After she has had time to explore, tell her the title of the book and begin reading.
Oral Language
Get animated and use sound effects to help tell this fun story. Use a grumpy voice for the phrase “I’m not sleepy!”; make a yawning noise for the great BIG yawn; tap on the table or book or make a pecking sound with your tongue for the woodpecker sound; say a big, animated “WAAA!” when Baby Owl is startled by the woodpecker.
Involve your toddler as you read. You might say:
Look at Baby Owl. He looks so sleepy. His eyes are almost closed. Can you close your eyes? Show me how you look when you are sleepy. (Lay your head on your hands as if sleeping; see if she can imitate you.)
Baby Owl yawned a great BIG yawn. Show me a great BIG yawn. (Show your child what a yawn looks like.)
The woodpecker really scared Baby Owl. He said “WAAA!” (See if your toddler imitates the sound.)
Phonological Awareness
After you have read the story multiple times, pay attention to how your toddler independently interacts with the book. Can she point to and name familiar pictures in the book? When she sees certain pictures, does she start to make the sounds you usually make when you read? This shows that she is paying attention to words and sounds in her environment, a beginning stage of phonological awareness.
For more bedtime stories, try Goodnight Moon and Clifford’s Bedtime.
Find more recommended children’s books for toddlers 12 to 17 months, or find an easy at-home activity designed to strengthen pre-reading skills in your toddler.
