When other parents are working the night shift, Mami welcomes their children into the family’s living room to spend the night. How come those kids get the chance to sleep on the cot in the living room? It’s not fair!
The Cot in the Living Room
Discuss the Book
Helping Hand Pages 1–7
- Important Moment: The girl helps her mom put sheets on the cot to get ready for sleepover guests.
- Ask and Share: How does the character in the story help her mom? What are some of the ways you help around your home? In your classroom at school?
Not Fair Pages 8–17
- Important Moment: The girl has never been allowed to play with her dad’s dominoes before. But her dad offers them to Raquel (a child who is sleeping over) to play with!
- Ask and Share: Why is the main character upset? How do you feel when things seem unfair? What can you do when you’re feeling that way?
In the Dark Pages 18–25
- Important Moment: When the girl gets to sleep on the cot, the pillow is mushy and unfamiliar. The lamp looks spooky in the dark. She hears strange noises.
- Ask and Share: Why doesn’t the main character like sleeping on the cot in the living room? What are some good things to try if you’re having trouble falling asleep or feeling a bit upset in the dark?
A Perfect Fit Pages 26–33
- Important Moment: The girl doesn’t think it’s fair that Raquel has to sleep in the living room by herself. They move the cot into their bedroom so they can read, sing, and play with their guests before bed.
- Ask and Share: How does the girl help the other children feel more comfortable when they spend the night? What do you like to do before bed? If we had guests, how could we make them feel comfortable?