Books for Bedtime

Link to bedtime books: https://monkeypen.com/pages/free-bed-time-stories

Lovemybooks is for parents, carers, teachers, schools, and early years staff, created by literacy experts. Free and ad free with over 250 activity pages full of creative book-based ideas.

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The books below are core text that are explored throughout the year by acting them out, drawing story maps that sequence main events in the book to support story telling and later making their own books. It  is proven that children who are read to regularly are exposed to a much larger vocabulary than those who are not. This exposure helps them learn new words and understand their meanings, improving their ability to communicate and fosters a love of reading.

Autumn 1  

Mr Zigger and Mr Zagger 

The story with no book helps children develop their thinking skills and builds their imagination by allowing them to follow and use hand gestures as a way of learning instead of looking at the pictures in a book.

The Three Little Pigs

The lesson from the fable is that hard effort and perseverance pay off, and that preparation is necessary for success. The story tells us that taking shortcuts or taking the easy way out can have major consequences, and that we must be prepared to confront life's problems.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The main moral of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is to avoid greed. The troll in the story is greedy, wanting to eat the biggest goat, and his greed leads to his downfall when he is defeated and pushed into the river. The story also teaches about standing up to bullies and the importance of courage. 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears 

The primary moral of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" is to respect others' property and belongings. Goldilocks's actions of entering the bears' home without permission, using their possessions, and even breaking a chair, demonstrate a lack of respect for the bears' privacy and property rights. The story also subtly suggests that curiosity can lead to trouble. 

Little Red Hen

The moral of "The Little Red Hen" is that hard work and personal initiative lead to rewards, and laziness or lack of contribution can result in missed opportunities. It emphasizes that if you want to reap the benefits, you must contribute to the effort. 

Autumn 2 

Dear Zoo

The main moral of "Dear Zoo" is about finding the right fit, especially for a pet. The story showcases different animals, each with unique characteristics, and highlights that some animals are not suitable for a particular role (like a pet). Essentially, it teaches that finding the perfect match, whether it's a pet or something else, takes consideration and understanding of individual needs and qualities.

The Nativity 

This story is an account of Jesus' birth, showing that God's love and salvation are accessible to all, even in the most unexpected ways, and that even in humanity, there is great power and blessing. The story highlights the importance of faith, acceptance of God's will, and the joy of knowing God's plan is being fulfilled. It also emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. 

Spring 1

The Enormous Turnip 

The moral of "The Enormous Turnip" is that teamwork and cooperation are essential for achieving a goal, especially when faced with a lare and challenging task. The story demonstrates how different individuals, even a mouse, can contribute to a successful outcome when they work together. 

The Ginger Bread Man 

The story of The Gingerbread Man teaches us to be careful who we trust and not to be too proud or arrogant. The gingerbread man's downfall comes from believing the fox's lies and his own boastful confidence in his speed and cleverness. 

Spring 2 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

In We're Going on a Bear Hunt we can learn that sometimes you have to face difficult  challenges head-on, and there's no way to avoid them. The story highlights the importance of persevering through obstacles, even when they seem daunting. The family's initial excitement is replaced by fear and exhaustion as they encounter the various obstacles, ultimately realizing they have to "go through" them. The final realization is that the journey, not the destination, is what matters. 

Summer 1 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The main moral of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is about growth, change, and the importance of healthy choices. The caterpillar's journey, from a tiny egg to a beautiful butterfly, illustrates the natural process of metamorphosis and transformation. The story also emphasizes the value of healthy eating habits, as the caterpillar learns that eating a green leaf helps him recover from overeating unhealthy foods. 

Chicken Licken 

The main moral of the Chicken Licken story is: "Don't believe everything you're told". It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and not acting impulsively on rumors or unfounded fears. Essentially, it's a lesson about verifying information before spreading it and not panicking based on someone else's exaggerated claim.