Books answer questions children have about their world, introduce them to new worlds beyond their home and spark their imaginations about the world of make-believe. In addition, reading books can draw children into exciting new adventures they may never experience otherwise.

The academic advantages of reading to children are well documented: vocabulary development, understanding the purpose of the printed word, development of listening skills and exposure to good writing, to name a few. However, when we take reading books a step further by actively engaging the listeners in the stories, we help children gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others around them and life itself. They connect the lessons they learn through literature with the issues and problems they have in their own lives.

Read, engage, connect and grow. . . enjoy the journey!

Public School Edition Teachers are always looking for quality resources to supplement their core curriculum objectives. In an effort to provide educators with a resource that may be used as part of their character education, language arts or social studies lesson plans, we have designed our supplemental Action Guide curriculum to help teachers engage children in the messages and lessons found in the Under My Bed storybook series. With each such story focusing on a unique and specific character trait, each Action Guide includes a story overview, pre- and post-reading activities, a section on understanding self (which is where good character begins), developmental lessons (cognitive, emotional and behavioral) and action-orientated activities designed to give children an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in their own lives. With this resource in the classroom, children will embark on a journey that concludes with a better understanding of who they are, how the character trait applies to them and how to walk it out in their own lives. We invite educators and involved parents to join us in helping our children explore ways of becoming better people so that together we can make a positive difference in the world in which we live.

Christian Edition Christian educators are continually faced with finding the balance between including faith-based and secular teachings into their lesson plans. To help address this challenge we have developed a resource that may be used as part of your character education, language arts, social studies or Bible study lesson plans. Our supplemental Christian Edition Action Guide curriculum is designed to help Christian teachers engage children in the messages and lessons found in the Under My Bed storybook series. With each such story focusing on a unique and specific character trait, each Christian Edition Action Guide includes a core Scripture, story overview, pre- and post-reading activities, a section on understanding self (which is where good character begins), developmental lessons (cognitive, emotional and behavioral) and action-orientated activities designed to give children an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in their own lives. With this resource in the classroom, or in the home, children will embark on a journey that concludes with a better understanding of what character is through the eyes of God, how the character trait applies to them, and how to walk it out in their own lives. We invite Christian educators (traditional or home-based) and involved parents to join us in helping our children explore ways of becoming better people so that together, we can make a positive difference in the world in which we live.

Wonderfully Made Under My Bed
by Linda Rinn with Don Fischer

(Softcover - Oct 1, 2007)
Buy new: $4.99
20 pages

This guide includes discussion questions and activities designed to help students explore the individuality and friendship themes from the storybook Wonderfully Made Under My Bed. As students work through the activities in the Understanding Self section, they learn that each individual has a special talent or something they do well that can be shared with others. This is an important concept for children to learn at an early age so they can begin to appreciate themselves and others as unique individuals. The activities in the Developing Character section explore friendship, a basic human value that, when practiced, has a positive impact on others. These activities will help students to understand the importance of friendship and to put their friendship skills into action.

*Christian educator edition is available to provide the exploration of character through Scripture

Not Afraid Under My Bed
by Linda Rinn with Don Fischer

(Softcover - Oct 1, 2007)
Buy new: $4.99
20 pages

This guide includes discussion questions and activities designed to help students explore the individuality and friendship themes from the storybook Not Afraid Under My Bed. As students work through the activities in the Understanding Self section, they will learn that it is normal to be afraid of unfamiliar places and situations. However, if they push past their fears, they will be able to take advantage of all that life has to offer. The activities in the Developing Character section explore acceptance, a basic human value that recognizes and respects the diversity of others. These activities will help students understand the importance of acceptance and learn how to put acceptance into practice.

*Christian educator edition is available to provide the exploration of character through Scripture

Grateful Heart Under My Bed
by Linda Rinn with Don Fischer

(Softcover - Oct 1, 2007)
Buy new: $4.99
20 pages

This guide includes discussion questions and activities designed to help students explore the fear of the unknown and acceptance themes from the storybook A Grateful Heart Under My Bed. As students work through the activities in the Understanding Self section, they will learn how attitude makes all the difference in how they respond to life's experiences. The activities in this section focus on teaching an attitude of gratitude to help children find the positives in situations they might normally view as negative. The activities in the Developing Character section explore gratitude, a basic human value that expresses a thankfulness for what we have and for what others do for us. These activities will help students understand the importance of gratitude and learn how to express their thanks.

*Christian educator edition is available to provide the exploration of character through Scripture