On a cold winter’s night, William is visited by a progression of animals of increasing size, each requesting a warm place to rest their head. When a bear shows up, the other guests are reluctant to share their space in bed, but William’s generosity has warmed them to accepting one last friend.  This is a beautiful tale of sharing.

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William’s Winter Nap

Linda Ashman – Author
Chuck Groenink – Illusrator

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Just when William is ready to fall asleep in his cozy cabin, there is a tap on his window. A chilly chipmunk asks to stay, and Will scooches over in bed. “There’s room for two — I’m sure we’ll fit.”

The chipmunk is just the first in a parade of mammals, each bigger than the last, until the bed is full.

Then a note is slipped beneath the door: “Do you have room for just one more?”

William tugs the door to see who’s there . . . only to find a great big BEAR!

Is there enough space to spare? Will the other animals be willing to share?     Hmmmmm…………..

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FAMILY DISCUSSION

Talk about a time when someone made you feel welcome—or unwelcome. How did you feel? What sorts of things can we do to make others feel welcome and included?

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ANIMALS in WINTER

Imagine having to find food and shelter in the coldest, snowiest months of the year. It’s not easy! But animals adapt to harsh weather in a variety of interesting ways. Some grow thicker coats, or change color so they’re camouflaged in the snow, or migrate to warmer climates. Many others—like the animals in William’s Winter Nap—spend all or most of the winter sleeping. Some, like woodchucks, are true hibernators, entering a state in which their body temperature drops dramatically and their breathing and heart rate become extremely slow. Others, like bears, are deep sleepers—although their heart rate and breathing are much slower than normal, their temperature drops only slightly.