Snoriezzz
Inspiring Your Child to Love Sleep,
One Story at a Time
Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood

A little girl walks through the woods to bring cookies to her sick grandma, but is tricked by a wolf! She gets some help from a neighbor, and learns to be more careful in the world!
Little Red Riding Hood

About this Episode

A little girl walks through the woods to bring cookies to her sick grandma, but is tricked by a bad wolf!  She gets some help from a neighbor, and learns to be more careful in the world! 

Snoriezzz, a children’s mindful bedtime podcast and part of the GoKidGo universe of shows for kids, is co-created and co-hosted by Academy Award Winning actor Marcia Gay Harden (she/her), and actor and comedian Natalie Peyton (she/her).  Building love of self and love of sleep at the same time, the Snory godmothers use affirmations,  calming routines, and a beautiful fairy tale to help you make bedtime the peaceful,  bonding moment you need!     

Snoriezzz Segments:

00:43  MINDFUL TALK

03:21  GROUNDING WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS 

04:40  SNORY LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

17:00  CALM YOUR BODY MEDITATION

You can always revisit the affirmations, Snory, or meditations as your little one needs! We’ve provided the timing for each segment above.

Host Snory godmother: Marcia Gay Harden (she/her) 

Host Snory godmother: Natalie Peyton (she/her)

Segment music composition: Nana Simopoulos (she/her)

Story music composition and foley: Sterling Steffen (he/him)

Editing: Sterling Steffen

Cover art: Eulie Scheel (they/them)

Production Manager: Kyle Dempsey (he/him)

Branding/marketing: Julitta Scheel (she/her)

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Get ready for Connect & Learn!  Where you and your adult dive deeper into the Snoriezzz episodes you’ve heard at bedtime or naptime! 

WELCOME TO FRANCE! BUT…WHERE IS FRANCE, ANYWAY?
France
Bonjour, young explorers! Bonjour means hello in French. Today we are going on a wonderful journey through the heart of France, a land where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to make France one of the most beloved countries in the world! It’s also the country where Little Red Riding Hood comes from!

Did you know, because of France’s shape on the map, it is often referred to in French as l’Hexagone (“The Hexagon”). That’s a six sided shape!

Little Red Riding Hood
France

France is WAY across the Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of Western Europe. It has lots of neighbors: Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and more! Take a look at the map to see just where France is in relation to America.

Pack your bags, grab your map, and let’s set off on a French adventure filled with charming villages, majestic palaces, and mouthwatering meals. France: a land where every corner holds a new discovery waiting to be made!

But first…WHO WAS LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD?

There are many versions of this story, and some are super scary! Charles Perrault, a master storyteller of the 17th century, (that’s almost 400 years ago) first published Little Red Riding Hood, or as the French say, “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge.” Little Red Riding Hood is a kind young girl, probably about 8 years old. She loves her grandma very much, and loves wearing a red cape and cap that her grandma sewed for her. One day Little Red’s mother tells her to bring some cookies and wine to her sick grandma, but to stay strictly on the path! So she sets out to bring her sick grandma some treats, but she meets a mean old wolf on the path to her grandmother’s house. The wolf tricks Little Red Riding Hood, and sneaks into Grandma’s house, and eats them! OH NO! But a helpful neighbor makes sure they are safe in the end. Whew! We were worried there for a minute!

This story has what we call a “moral” which means we can learn something from the story. So what is it? Well, the moral of Little Red Riding Hood teaches us about the importance of staying on the right path, being cautious with strangers, and also why you should trust your gut instinct, which are your inner feelings that tell you when something is wrong… or that something could be unsafe. This story also shows us how kind neighbors should watch out for each other, and finally, in our version of the story, that good always triumphs over evil.

Little Red Riding Hood
French Flag

French Culture

France is one of the world’s oldest nations! It’s a country with a rich and diverse culture that has influenced the whole world for centuries!  For instance French culture has made huge contributions to the world in language, food, fashion, literature, and architecture.

Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower

France is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, (above).  Did you know that the same guy who designed the Eiffel Tower, Gustav Eiffel, also designed the interior structure for America’s Statue of Liberty?  The Statue of Liberty in New York was actually a gift from France! That’s so cool!  Then there is  Notre Dame Cathedral,  which is where Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”  lived.  And of course,  the amazing  Louvre Museum, which is where the famous Mona Lisa painting is! 

Notre Dame Cathedral
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum

French Landscape & Climate

France has many different and stunning landscapes. From the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the rugged cliffs of the English Channel, France’s geography is as varied as it is beautiful. On one side of France there is the mighty Atlantic Ocean – which stretches all the way across to the east side of the United States, where New York and Florida are!
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean off the coast of France

In the Northwest coast of France is the English Channel, where ships sail and seabirds soar in the salty air.

Further south, you can discover lots of valleys, vineyards, and rolling plains. Here, the sun-kissed countryside is dotted with charming villages and bustling towns, farmers tend to their crops,  and grapevines flourish.  Oooh La la!  French wine is considered some of the best in the world!  Don’t worry, they have yummy apple cider for kids too!

Vineyards
Vineyard in France

The Seine River winds its way through the heart of France, connecting cities like Paris to the calm countryside. Its gentle waters are full of fish, and provide a home for people and for wildlife!

Seine River

And then there are the majestic French Alps, standing tall in the east like guardians of the land!  Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, has snow-capped peaks and towers high above all the others! The Alps are like a playground for adventurers, you can ski, hike, sled,  and mountain climb as high as the clouds.

French Alps
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Mountain Range, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
French Alps
French Alps

In Provence, France’s huge,  sprawling fields of Lavender grow far and wide making the land purple everywhere! The flowering period for lavender starts in mid-June and lasts until the end of August. Look how beautiful it is! Do you know what lavender smells like?  Lavender is amazing because it has special ingredients that tell your brain to relax and it helps you feel sleepy!  The Snory godmothers like to sprinkle a little lavender oil on their pillows, or put fresh lavender in their room to make the air smell pretty, and to help them sleep.  Maybe you can try that too? We’ll teach you how in the Play & Learns!

Provence
Girl in Lavender fields of Provence, France

French Language

In France the people speak French. French is a beautiful language spoken by millions of people around the world, and it’s known for its smooth and melodic sound.

Do you want to learn some French words together?

Francais
Source: Language education illustrator.

The most common greeting in France is “bonjour,” which means “hello.”

Actually, it literally means “good day”.  Bon = good and jour = day. Bon + jour = Good day!   It’s polite to say “bonjour monsieur” (good day sir) or “bonjour madame” (good day madam)  when you greet someone.

Merci – This means “thank you.” Whenever someone does something nice for you, you can say “merci” to show your gratitude.  (Pronounced mair- see).

Oui – This means “yes.” If someone asks you a question and the answer is “yes,” you can say “oui.”

Non – This means “no.” If the answer to a question is “no,” try saying “non.”

Au revoir – This means “goodbye.”  When you head off to school in the morning,  you can say “au revoir” to your mere.  (That’s your mom!)

S’il vous plaît – This means “please.” Try this:  “May I have some hot chocolate “s’il vous plaît”

Practice saying these words! Bonne chance! (Good luck!)

French Traditions

French Traditions
Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower – on Bastille Day/July 14th

There are many colorful traditions in France, wonderful celebrations that bring people together to have fun and make memories! The most important celebration is Bastille Day: This is sort of like France’s birthday party! It’s celebrated on July 14th to honor  the French Revolution – which is when the poor and hungry people of France said “No more Kings and Queens!  We should all be equal!”  People have parades, fireworks, and they pay tribute  to  their country’s history. Does that sound familiar to you? Yes! In America, we have a birthday celebration too! It’s called Independence Day or the Fourth of July! This is the day we also said “No more Kings and Queens!  We want a Democracy!” We celebrate with fireworks too!

Fireworks
Fireworks at the Statue of Liberty NYC on Independence Day/The Fourth of July

Christmas is also celebrated in France, families gather on Christmas Eve to enjoy a special dinner called “Réveillon.”  They decorate their homes with festive lights and ornaments, and children eagerly await the arrival of Père Noël (Father Christmas) who brings gifts.

Christmas
Bûche de Noël (Christmas Log Cake)

Mardi Gras is a super wild and crazy French tradition! This fun-filled celebration, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” takes place in March, right before Lent begins. During Lent, many people give up something they like, like sweets or video games, as a way to practice self-discipline and remember what’s most important in life.

During Mardis Gras People dress up in colorful costumes, attend parades, and enjoy delicious food like pancakes and pastries.  There are huge floats, and everyone throws beads at the crowd!  In America, we celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which has a French historical background.

Mardi Gras
Mardis Gras Celebration

French traditions are not just about celebrations; they’re also about how people interact and show respect for each other through social etiquette. Etiquette is a fancy word for good manners and being polite. It means showing kindness, respect, and consideration for others. For example, saying “please” and “thank you” is part of good etiquette because it shows appreciation. Eating with your mouth closed, listening when someone else is speaking, and waiting your turn are also good manners.

Here is an example of French etiquette:

La bise: When French people greet each other, they often give each other two kisses on the cheeks, called “la bise. It’s a friendly way to say hello and show affection.

Kiss
La Bise – the French Greeting
Beret
Little Girl in a Red French Beret (a French Hat)!
French Fashion

French fashion is very famous for its elegance and sophistication.  In fact, Paris is often called the fashion capital of the world!

Some traditional French clothing items include:

  • The Beret: This is a type of hat that many people associate with France. It’s often worn at a jaunty angle and adds a touch of French flair to any outfit. Oooh la la!
French naval fleet wearing the Breton Stripe
  • The Breton shirt: Also known as a sailor shirt, this striped shirt originated from Brittany and has navy blue and white stripes.  It’s a classic piece of French fashion and it never goes out of style.
French Dress
Women in traditional French dresses or “costume provençal”
  • Traditional French dress: In some regions of France, you might still see people wearing traditional clothing like the “traje breton” in Brittany or the “costume provençal” in Provence. These outfits are often worn during special occasions or festivals and showcase the rich cultural heritage of France.
French Food

Well you can’t talk about France and not mention French food!  It is a delicious adventure for your taste buds, filled with amazing flavors and special dishes! Here are some yummy examples:

  • Croissants:  These buttery, flaky pastries are a breakfast favorite around the world. They’re perfect for dipping into hot chocolate or coffee and enjoying on a sunny morning. We teach you how to make them in our play and learn!  
Butter Croissants
Coq Au Vin
Coq au Vin
  • Coq au Vin: This is a fancy name for a yummy chicken dish cooked in red wine sauce. It’s juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!
Cheese
Assorted French fromage/cheeses
  • Cheese: French people LOVE their cheese, and there are so many kinds to try! From creamy Brie to tangy Roquefort, there’s a cheese for everyone’s taste. Do you like cheese!!?? Fromage is the French word for cheese!
Assorted colorful macarons
  • Macarons: These colorful, delicate cookies come in all sorts of flavors, like chocolate, raspberry, and pistachio, and they’re perfect for a sweet treat.

French people take their food very seriously. We like to think of French cuisine as being a feast for the senses! It’s all about savoring each bite and enjoying good company. So whether you’re nibbling on a croissant for breakfast or enjoying a fancy dinner of coq au vin, French cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

Bon appétit!  That’s French for “enjoy your meal!” It literally translates to “good appetite!” Bon = good, appetite = appetite. Bon + appetite = good appetite. 

But it’s pronounced Bon Appeteeet!

French Art

France is also a land of great thinkers and artists. It was here that famous painters like Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne found inspiration in the many colors of the French countryside.

Here is the famous Water Lilies painting by Monet!  He painted lots of different paintings of the water lilies, so you can find them in museums in New York, London, Paris, and all over the world!

Water Lilies Date: 1906 | Artist: Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926)
Bay Marseille
The Bay of Marseille, Seen from L’Estaque Date: c. 1885 |Artist: Paul Cezanne (French, 1839–1906)
Renoir
Luncheon of the Boating Party Date: between 1880 and 1881 | Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Perhaps the most famous painting in the world is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci is Italian, but his painting famously hangs at the Museu du Louvre in Paris! And guess what? It’s a lot smaller than you think!  Get out a ruler or a tape measure so you can get an idea! It’s 30 inches long, and 21 inches wide. Have you ever heard the saying “Big things come in small packages?”  Well, that’s probably true about the Mona Lisa Painting!  We show you how to do a self portrait of the same size in the play and learn.  Can’t wait to see what you make!

Mona Lisa is on display at the Louvre Date: between 1503 and 1519 | Artist: Leonardo da Vinci

French Music

There are many famous musicians from France as well. One of our favorites is Claude Debussy. He composed a beautiful song about the moon, called Clair de Lune. It means “moonlight.” Have a listen https://youtu.be/B0V24-WaYH0 he composed in a super dreamy style.  Can you imagine the moonlight beaming down on you?

The Palace of Versailles today

French Castles

The Palace of Versailles is quite possibly the most famous and extravagant palace in the whole wide world. It’s located near Paris, the capital of France. The palace was built by King Louis XIV (14th) who turned a small hunting lodge into a grand palace fit for a king!

If you could build a palace for yourself, what would it look like? Draw a picture of your palace and have your adult help you send it to your Snory Godmothers on Instagram @snoriezzz!

Versailles is HUGE, with lots of rooms filled with beautiful furniture, sparkling chandeliers, and amazing artwork. There’s even a great big hall made entirely of mirrors where you can see your reflection stretch on and on forever!

Palace of Mirrors
Hall of Mirrors at The Palace of Versailles

Outside of the palace, the land is just as impressive as the inside. There are enchanting gardens with fountains, statues, and colorful flowers as far as the eye can see. There’s even a life size maze where you can pretend to be a brave knight or a clever princess!

Gardens of Versailles

The most magical thing about the Palace of Versailles is its history. It’s where Kings and Queens lived and died, it’s where grand parties were held, and it’s where important decisions were made that changed the course of history!  Visiting the Palace of Versailles is like stepping into a fairy tale world where dreams come true and imagination knows no bounds. It’s a place where you can learn about the past, marvel at incredible beauty, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Château de Chambord is the other castle we are highlighting in this deep dive about France. Kings and Queens also used to live here. One of the coolest things about Chambord is its “magic” spiral staircase. It’s so big and twisty that it looks like something out of a fairy tale! And guess what? It has double helix stairs, which means people going up and down the stairs never meet! Check out the pictures below!

Chambord
Chambord
Gardens of Versailles

Look how grand Chambord is!

Château de Chambord Castle in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France
Lawn of Château de Chambord Castle in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France
Merci! Thank you for joining us as we explored the lands and culture of France! Please have fun with our Play & Learns, where you can make a croissant, wear a red cape, and create a picture of yourself the same size as the Mona Lisa!
The Magic Bed: Mindful Affirmations

Embrace the Power of Affirmations!

Imagine a world where your child starts and ends each day with positivity and confidence! By weaving affirmations into their daily routines, children can boost their self-esteem, build resilience, and cultivate a growth mindset. These skills empower them to face life’s challenges with courage and optimism.

Bedtime Bliss and Breakfast Boost:

Why not make affirmations a delightful part of your family’s routine? Enjoy these uplifting phrases together before bed, creating a peaceful atmosphere for sweet dreams. Then, share them again at breakfast to set a positive tone for the day ahead.

You can inspire our little ones to shine bright and embrace every opportunity that comes their way! 🌟

I control my feelings
I'm Brave
I'm a fun person
Play & Learn
Download Play & Learn PDFs
Make Your Own Lavender Sachets
Little Red Riding Hood Coloring Pages
Word & Picture Matching Activity Little Red Riding Hood
Mona Lisa Sized Self-Portrait

French Cafe Experience

Answer Key to Word And Picture Matching Activity

Snoriezzz Science Tip

Sleep and Your Senses

Every night when we fall asleep, we stop fully paying attention to our senses – what we see, smell, touch, hear and taste.

It’s easy to think that our senses must turn off when we go to sleep, but it turns out all our senses are still active while we sleep even if we aren’t actively thinking of them.

Sometimes we wake up when we hear a loud noise outside, or when a bright light shines in our eyes. Our eyes, ears and senses are always gathering information, and sending that right to our brain, even when we’re sleeping!

When you have trouble sleeping and don’t dream, your brain misses a chance to process all the sad or angry feelings from the day. This can leave your mind feeling stressed and upset too! Even nightmares, which can be scary, are just a way your brain is helping you solve a problem or understand your inner feelings.

f you’re having a tough time sleeping, there are some fun things that can help! Smelling lavender can make you feel sleepy, wearing an eye mask can block out bright lights, and sipping on warm Sleepytime tea can tell your body it’s time to relax. These little things can help you get the good sleep you need, especially if you make them part of your bedtime ritual.

What works best for you? Try some of these tips and see how this affects your bedtime routine. Let us know what helps by messaging us on social media @snoriezzz!

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