🦥 Sammy the Sloth Speaks

A Slow-Moving Star with a Big Jungle Heart

Welcome back to the jungle, friends! 🌿

Today, I’m thrilled to spotlight the heart of Sammy’s Jungle Day—our calm, curious, and completely lovable explorer: Sammy the Sloth.

With his soft round face, sleepy smile, and take-it-slow attitude, Sammy wasn’t just made for hugs—he was made for connection. He encourages little readers (and grown-ups) to pause, breathe, and look around. Because sometimes, the best way to see the jungle… is to slow down and actually see it.

🖌️ From Scribble to Star

Believe it or not, Sammy’s journey didn’t start with a perfect sketch—it started with a fuzzy little blob in my sketchbook. 📝

As a speech-language pathologist and educator-turned-illustrator, I was still learning digital tools like Procreate. And let’s just say: Sammy had a few funny-looking limbs before he found his groove.

But I knew what I wanted him to be—huggable, calm, and comforting, with big eyes that quietly invite you in. After many drafts (and a serious relationship with the undo button), Sammy slowly took shape… just like his personality: thoughtful, soft, and full of quiet joy.

🌿 Why Sammy Slows Things Down

Sammy isn’t trying to keep up. He’s not here to win the race.

While other animals zip and zoom through the jungle, Sammy listens. Observes. Soaks it in. He notices fluttering butterflies, drifting clouds, far-off jungle songs… the little things that make the world feel magical when we give it time.

He reminds children that slow isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. In therapy sessions and classrooms, that message matters. Sammy celebrates kids who process at their own pace, who move in their own rhythm, and who shine quietly.

🧠 Fun Sloth Facts to Learn + Love

Whether you’re reading Sammy’s Jungle Day for story time, speech sessions, or just snuggles, here are a few sloth facts you can share:

🍃 Sloths are leaf lovers.

They snack on leaves, fruit, and twigs—but digest it very slowly. Some meals take days to process!

💤 Sleepyheads for real.

In the wild, sloths sleep up to 15 hours a day. Nap goals, anyone?

🌊 Surprisingly strong swimmers.

Despite being slow on land, sloths are great in water. They can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes and move three times faster while swimming!

🌳 They live in the treetops.

Sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down in trees. Their long claws help them grip securely—and their slow movement helps them stay hidden from predators.

💬 Sammy’s Gentle Reminder

One of my favorite lines in the book is when Sammy says:

“Fast moves aren’t the path I take.”

It’s a soft, steady affirmation for any child who needs permission to go at their pace.For a reader who doesn’t always rush.For a listener who needs time to speak.For a thinker who blooms slowly, but beautifully.

As a speech-language pathologist, I built Sammy to reflect that kind of gentle strength—because slow progress is still progress, and slow learners are still learners.

✨ What Would Your Sloth Day Look Like?

If you were a sloth for a day…

Would you nap in the trees?

Snack on jungle fruit?

Swing slowly from branch to branch?

I’d love to see it!

Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @ReadWithDrT with your little explorer’s drawing of their perfect sloth day. 🦥🎨

💡 Educator Tip:

Looking to turn Sammy into a language-building moment? Try these prompts:

• “What do you like to do slowly?”

• “Can you name 3 things Sammy might see in the jungle?”

• “What sound do you think Sammy hears up in the trees?”

Slow questions spark thoughtful answers—and those are the best kind.