This book was written for preschoolers. It offers fifteen pre-bedtime readings and illustrations for a parent and their child to spend a few minutes of special time together before mommy or daddy kisses their child, tucks them in, and retires to spend time with the rest of the family. The following are the lessons they will learn:
The child learns to accept that others in the family need the parents' attention too.
The child learns to respect that only one page per evening is read because the parent already promised to spend time with others in the family.
The child learns to trust what mommy or daddy promises them when the parent is faithful about reading to the child every night for fifteen nights.
The child learns to value the power of words because each time the parent reads a page, the child begins to memorize some of the words.
The child learns patience while they await each new adventure when the parent resists the urge to skip ahead or rush through the book, encouraging the child to go to sleep, get their rest, and dream of what's to come the following night. After the parent completes reading the initial fifteen pages to their child, the parent can begin rereading the book page by page and have the child repeat some of the sentences with them. This helps the child develop an appreciation for reading. Soon your child will be reading portions of the book along with you. As he learns the sentences, he will also begin reading the pages to you (and anyone else who'll listen!).
The story shows how a small child (in this case, a kitten) learns to try new things but must always be very careful. It teaches that when they get overtired, they need to lie down for a rest so they don't get sick. Best of all, it teaches that mommy or daddy will be there to help make everything better when they get overly tired or sick. That will let them know that getting the rest they need is very important if they want to stay healthy and have playdates with their friends. When the dog in the story decides not to chase or bark at the kitten anymore, it teaches your child that sometimes we have to be nice to our playdate friends and siblings, especially when they ask us nicely to stop bothering them. This teaches the child to ignore them and find something else to do, which is where compassion and forgiveness begins. Perhaps the child can color a picture for their sibling or friend, study picture books (like this one), or take a short nap if they're tired!
