This is a perfect book to read while getting ready for bed, so get your toddler cozy.

Oral Language

The cover of the book is vividly colored and textured — let your toddler look at, feel and talk about it. You might say:

“Look at that baby zebra! Where is the baby zebra? Is he resting in a bed like you? What does his blanket feel like? Is it bumpy?”

This book contains predictable text, making it easy and fun for your toddler to follow along. Use your finger to follow the words on each page, allowing him to see which words you are reading.

Be enthusiastic about tucking in the baby animals, giving each animal a different voice as they say, “I do!” when asked, “Who else needs to be tucked in?”

Oral Language

Ask your toddler if he knows the name of each of the baby animals. Let him try to “tuck the animal in” by turning the page.

Point out parts of the animals that make them unique. For example, you might say:

“Look at that baby zebra. Zebras look like horses, but they have black and white stripes."

“That is a cute baby hedgehog! Hedgehogs have pointy quills that can stick you if they get scared!”

“What a beautiful baby peacock! Peacocks are birds with blue, green and purple feathers.”

Oral Language

The story ends with your toddler’s turn to be tucked in. Continue the story with stuffed animals he likes to sleep next to, tucking them in the same way the baby animals are in the book.

“Who else needs to be tucked in? Your teddy bear needs to be tucked in!”

For more bedtime fun, read The Going to Bed Book with your toddler. Or find an easy at-home activity to build important pre-reading skills.