I See the Animals Sleeping: A Bedtime Story is a delightful children’s story from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Thomas Heffron has written a book that allows for integrated instruction in a classroom setting: from reading and language arts to science and health.
The book is introduced by allowing the children to predict what animals they will read about, activating prior knowledge they have about them. There is a smooth and rhythmic feel to the story that creates an enjoyable read. Each page rhymes within itself, helping the ease and flow of the book for the children. The colorful and beautiful illustrations from Roberta Baird help the children visualize the habitats of each animal as it appears.
Differentiated instruction and comprehension of the story is achieved by the information given in a “Sleep Facts!” box for each animal. This provides extra learning opportunities for children looking for a little more about the animals’ sleep patterns, environment and adaptations. This is also a perfect connection to science instruction and standards.
The conclusion of the book relates back to the children. It helps them to value the importance of sleep in regard to their health and well-being.
Children will be instantly drawn into I See the Animals Sleeping: A Bedtime Story. They will enjoy the pictures, storyline and writing pattern, while learning about the science of animals, their habitats and the importance of sleep.
I See the Animals Sleeping: A Bedtime Story is available for purchase on Amazon. Also available from the AASM is The Animals Sleep: A Bedtime Book of Biomes.
Beth teaches first-grade students at St. Paul Catholic School in Valparaiso, Ind. She received a bachelor of science in elementary education from Valparaiso University.
