Sleep Like a Tiger



Last updated Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Author: Mary Logue
Illustrator: Pamela Zagarenski
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 0547641028
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2023

Synopsis: In this magical bedtime story, the lyrical narrative echoes a Runaway Bunny – like cadence: "Does everything in the world go to sleep?" the little girl asks. In sincere and imaginative dialogue between a not-at-all sleepy child and understanding parents, the little girl decides "in a cocoon of sheets, a nest of blankets," she is ready to sleep, warm and strong, just like a tiger.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your bedtime? 
•  What is your favorite bedtime snack? 
•  Do you have a favorite bedtime story?

Vocabulary:

•  Sleep- is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, in which consciousness is altered, and sensory activity is inhibited to a certain extent.
•  Cocoon- envelop or surround in a protective or comforting way.
•  Barn- a large farm building used for storing grain, hay, or straw or for housing livestock.
•  Whale- a very large sea mammal that breathes air through a hole at the top of its head
•  Snail-a gastropod mollusk especially when having an external enclosing spiral shell.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did the little girl did not want to go to sleep? 
•  Where did the little girls’ pets sleep? 
•  What did the little girl do to get ready for bed?
•  When do bats go to sleep? 
•  Do whales and snails sleep? How do they fall asleep? 
•  Why should you sleep like a tiger?

Craft ideas:
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2023-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/2nd-sleep-like-a-tiger/
•  1) Easy: Mother’s Day is just a few days away ( Sunday May 14th). Create a Mother’s Day card for your mom, aunt or grandmother. Write a special message in your greeting card. Feel free to share with your classmates. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
•  2) Easy: Try to think of other animals with strange sleeping habits. What about giraffes and horses that sleep standing up? Can you think of ways that your sleeping habit is similar to the stranger sleeping habits of these animals? Draw a picture of yourself and the animal that you share the same sleep habits  Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons
•  3) Easy: What goes on at night while you are asleep? Make a list together of what you might think goes on in the dark while you sleep. For example, fireflies, owl alert in trees, road construction   Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!