© Storyberries 2022

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Conversation, Mindfulness

1. What do you like about Autumn (Fall)?
2. How do you feel when it’s Autumn (Fall)? How does your body feel?
3. Can you remember your favourite Autumn (Fall) day? What did you do?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Stacie Eirich

Illustrated by Nanda Fatima Setyaningrum

Music Video by “Meanwhile in Bavaria” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

About the Author:

Stacie Eirich is a dreamer who loves literature, music, theatre, travel, and her family. She has written and published four collections of poetry and a children’s fantasy series for middle-grade readers, The Dream Chronicles. Connect with her and read poems, prose & book reviews at her website <a href=”https://www.stacieeirich.com/”

About the Illustrator:

Nanda Fatimah Setyaningrum is a Freelance Illustrator and Graphic Design based in Indonesia. She really loves art, making something cute and playing with color. You can see her work on Instagram @daamase

The post My Autumn Senses first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries 2022

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Gratitude, Conversation

1. What do you think it means to say ‘thank you’ for something? Why might we think or say ‘thank you’?
2. What things in your life could you say ‘thank you’ for?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Yesim Serce

Book design by Jade Maitre

Music Video by Fireflies and Stardust Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post The Thank You Book first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Sue Clancy 2022

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEMS ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Conversation

1. Which of the Patchwork Poems is your favourite poem? Why?

Independent Thinking

2. Sometimes poems rhyme, and sometimes they do not. What do you think makes a poem a poem?

About the Author Illustrator:

Sue Clancy, an American artist, author, and illustrator who lives in Washington state is known for her whimsical, timeless, comforting, quirky and oddly cute art images and artist books often featuring animals. Though she is the author/artist for more than 6 books and numerous fine art exhibits she is still very carefully supervised in her art studio by a miniature longhaired dachshund and a tabby cat. Clancy loves to read, cook and play with words and pictures. You can see more about Clancy’s art here: www.sueclancy.com

Music Video by Meanwhile in Bavaria Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Glee Club Polka Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post Clancy’s Patchwork Poems first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries /Phoebe Coghlan 2021

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Let’s Chat About the Poem – Ideas for Talking With Kids

Trying, Diligence, Imagination

1. Have you ever wanted to do something that you thought was impossible? How did you try to do it?

2. Did you use your imagination, in trying to do that impossible thing? If so, how did imagination help you?

3. If you didn’t use imagination in trying to achieve your special task, how about you use it now? What are some ways that you could have achieved this thing you really wanted, which seemed impossible, by using your imagination?

Poem for Kids written by Phoebe Coghlan

Illustrated by Tanya Razumna

Music Video – “Frost Waltz” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

About the Writer

Phoebe is an Intensive care nurse working in a central London, Major Trauma hospital. After busy twelve hour shifts, she likes to sit down with a cup of tea and write whatever comes into her head. You can see all her wonderful stories and poems at Storyberries by clicking here.

The post Catch A Moon first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

I own a field of grass. What a beauty it is! There is lots of black soil to settle hands in. When I water my field of grass, it grows. I love laying on it. I share in the sunlight.

I glow.

My field of grass makes me feel free. I am a friend to my field of grass, until I forget its beauty.

I look around at the other fields. Their grass goes straight up. My field’s grass moves with the wind. It collects lots of dirt.

(The dirt helps it grow.)

I change the texture of my field. I want it to look like all the rest.

I take a tractor to try to train my field of grass. It changes for a little, then it goes back to its original form.

I try trimming my field of grass. It only brings out the texture of it even more.

What am I to do? My field of grass is not working with me!

The battle between me and my field of grass goes on for years. Finally, one day, I give up. I no longer try to change my field of grass. I look after it instead.

I put water on my field of grass. I trim it. I clean it. I love it.

You have a field of grass that is one of a kind, too. I am talking about the field of grass in your head.

Dear child, the field in your head is a crown shining bright. Do not believe what you are told. Be bold. Believe in yourself. My field of grass makes waves. What does your field of grass do? Whatever it is, own every part of it.

Shine on with the heart you possess. Your field of grass is what makes you special.

Smile and do your best. Never settle for anything less.

© Traci Neal 2021

Poem for Kids written by Traci Neal

In-text illustrations by Rawpixel, with thanks.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Individuality

1. In this poem, why do you think the field of grass grew better when the author stopped trying to change it, and decided to love it and care for it instead?

2. What do you think this might say about our own uniqueness?

The post Field of Grass first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Holy are each and every one of you.

May good dreams come,

Your way be found,

And heaven and earth rejoice with you.

May you be given

All you need for life

And may you accept our mistakes

As you allow yourself

To make mistakes and grow.

Lead us with imagination

And true integrity,

For yours are the minds, the hearts, and the souls

To heal the world

Now and forever.

  © Aaron Zerah

Children’s Poem written by Aaron Zerah

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Conversation

1. What do you think when you read this poem? How do you feel about yourself? What you can do in the world?

About the Author

From early childhood Aaron’s parents, both Holocaust survivors, showed (and continue to show him) the power of acceptance and love. As an ordained Interfaith Minister, teacher, and parent, Aaron honours the wisdom found in all peoples and cultures. Aaron believes in the spirit of children and their power to create a world of peace and joy. Aaron currently lives in the lovely town of Sechelt, British Colombia (near Vancouver), a place of great beauty and people.

The post Our Children: A Prayer for the World first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Cross legged, I sit on the old kitchen floor

And I gawp at our washing machine,

I follow the whirl and the swirl of our clothes,

And the glug of the rhythmical clean. 

My jumpers, like gymnasts, leap over themselves

As the towels roly-poly and spin.

I spy a green sock – it is there, then it’s gone,

 Eyes peeled, I search for its twin!

The machine chugs and churns; bright colours whiz by

As the tumbling picks up in pace,

T-shirts chase trousers chase boxers and pants

And I wonder who’ll win at this race!

I stare at our gurgling, thrilling device

Till each cycle completes with a ‘Ding!’

I could sit here for hours; all day and all night

Oh it’s just the most marvellous thing!

© Phoebe Coghlan 2020

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Mindfulness, Conversation

1. Is there anything that you feel you could watch for hours on end? What is it? 

Poem for Kids written by Phoebe Coghlan

About the Writer

Phoebe is an Intensive care nurse working in a central London, Major Trauma hospital. After busy twelve hour shifts, she likes to sit down with a cup of tea and write whatever comes into her head. You can see all her wonderful stories and poems at Storyberries by clicking here.

The post Washing Machine first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

SPRING SONG

Too warm for coats.

Too cold for shorts.

The sun is out

Without much force.

Been raining

Off-and-on all day.

Spring is here at last…

Hooray?

SUMMER SONG

For Summer Vacation, you might take a trip

And have fun you’ll always remember.

To travel the world is a wonderful thing,

But I’d rather sleep till September.

FALL SONG

This time of year makes me cry “goody!”

Because I get to wear my hoody.

It’s much too big—a 2-X-L.

But, me? I think that’s just as well.

I pull the drawstring and—tee hee!—

No one even knows it’s me!

WINTER SONG

Christmas is a magical and wondrous time of year,

And snow just makes the season more sublime.

But when the big day’s over, all the ice and snow’s still here!

And then I just can’t wait until springtime!

© Templeton Moss 2020

Poem for Kids written by Templeton Moss

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Conversation

1. What is your favourite time of year? Why?

The post Four Seasons first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Two sleepy eyes peek at sun on the sill,

Ten toes meet bare floor and feel quite a chill.

Summer is gone with hot days at the lake,

Fall winds are blowing bright leaves to be raked.

Becca gets dressed in new clothes from the store,

Crunches her cornflakes with no time for more.

Kisses mom’s cheek, saying, “See you tonight,”

Skips down the sidewalk till school is in sight.

This year her classroom sits on the top floor,

Climbing the stairs, Becca peers through the door.

Friends gather round, and the bell starts the day,

Laughs fill the hall where their jackets will stay.

Desks hold their names, and she soon spies her seat,

“Hi,” teacher says, “so we finally meet.”

Bright eyes are blue, and her smile is sincere,

Miss O’Blair beams, “We’ll have such a great year!”

“Oh,” Becca squeaks, with eyes glued to the scene,

Tries not to stare, which she knows would be mean.

New teacher’s head wearing so little hair,

Shines like a light bulb that’s left to hang bare.

Becca feels worried but keeps it inside,

When school is over, she dashes outside.

Scuffs home through leaf piles, tummy a-rumbling,

Practices questions, quietly mumbling.

Back home there’s supper with fruit for dessert,

Baby blows bubbles of food on his shirt.

“How’s Miss O’Blair?” big sis asks with a wink,

Eyes on her plate, Becca then takes a drink.

“She’s bald,” Becca sobs with milk on her chin.

“She’s what?” sister shrieks, as dad hides a grin.

“No hair?” asks her mom, who sees she’s upset.

“Like baby’s…it’s shiny, thin, and looks wet.”

Feeling worn-out Becca slouches to bed,

Confused, puzzled thoughts still spin through her head.

Mom speaks to dad, standing right by the stairs,

“…alopecia and that’s new, growing hair.”

Dreams are mixed-up and full of self-pity,

Day dawns at last with eyes that feel gritty.

Mr. O’Peesha…will he take MY hair?

Her worries feel huge with no one to share.

At school, Becca jumps at sounds from the hall,

If he should come here, would mom hear my call?

KNOCK! KNOCK! at the door, just before she’s free…

“Day’s done,” says the principal’s voice in glee.

Later that night, mom plays cards with her club,

Dad’s giving baby’s small back a soft rub.

Sister does homework to earn a good grade,

Becca fakes reading and feels so afraid.

At midnight she dreams, quilt up to her ears,

Stares at a monster with clippers and shears.

Could it be Al, come to finish the job?

He’s outside my room and turning the knob!

Rain pelts the house, and she wakes with a start,

Flies down the stairs, as she clutches her heart.

Mom gives a hug and asks, “What’s on your mind?”

Becca spills worries, her voice hard to find.

“Oh, that’s what you thought, but there’s no such guy!

Miss O’Blair’s happy, so you shouldn’t cry.

Alopecia, a disease, makes her hair thin.

She still feels good, and hair CAN grow back in.

“Sort of an allergy, to one’s own hair,

Others can’t catch it, through breaths from the air.

Everyone’s special, in their own way,

Be kind to others in ALL things you say.”

Days turned to weeks, and the months flew so fast,

Lessons held interest as time quickly passed.

Turn of a jump rope the school year was done,

Warm days of summer brought new kinds of fun.

“I miss my teacher,” she sighs with a smile.

“Really?” sis asks. “What about that HAIRstyle?”

Stopping mid-step, Becca thinks of that day,

She should have asked mom how hair went away.

“Who cares? I sure liked her, right from the start,

She’s pretty and fun and so super smart.

The whole year was great and seemed more like play,

Hope I’m a teacher just like her, someday!”

© Becky Ross Michael 2020

Poem for Kids written by Becky Ross Michael

Illustrations by Rawpixel, with thanks.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Communication

1. Becca is afraid of Miss O’Blair at first, because she looks different to what she expects. Do you think Miss O’Blair having no hair is a good reason for Becca to be afraid of her?

2. How does Becca stop feeling scared in this poem? What does she wish she did earlier than she did? Why?

Independent Thinking

1. How did you feel about Becca’s sister and father mocking Miss O’Blair behind her back? Was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?

2. How many physical things can you think of in a person, that might be different from others? Do you think any of these make any difference to whether someone could be your friend or not? Why or why not?

The post Miss O’Blair Has Lost Her Hair first appeared on Bedtime Stories.