GOODNIGHT MOON

 

1.      Bibliography

Brown, Margaret Wise. 1947. GOODNIGHT MOON. Ill. By Clement Hurd. New York: Harper & Brothers. ISBN: 9780064430173

2.      Plot Summary

A bedtime story of a young bunny who says goodnight to everything around him. From familiar objects in his rooms to the stars outside. This story is simple, rhythmic with gentle repetition to create a comforting pattern to help ease children to sleep.

3.      Critical Analysis

Margaret Wise Brown story is lyrical as it is built on repetition and rhythm which allows it to be soothing, mimicking a lullaby. It’s simple as it is just a child saying goodnight to objects, but it allows emerging readers to connect reading to their life.

 

Clement Hurd’s illustrations go back-and-forth from colorful scenes of the room to zoomed in, black-and-white sketches. This allows for a pause between the pages that reinforces that rhythm created in the writing. The perspective of the room and surroundings start to gradually become darker, which helps tell the reader of the passing time and how bedtime is approaching.

 

Overall, the words and illustrations blend well to highlight a ritual of bedtime. Though the illustrations are a bit dated, the theme of comfort and routine are still enjoyable for young readers.

4.      Review Excerpts

ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award, 1992, Winner, Babies and Toddlers

Starred Review in Children’s Literature: “This is the perfect book for introducing toddlers and infants to the joys of reading.”

5.      Connections

This book can be easily used to introduce the concept of a bedtime routine, especially with children who struggle to settle down at night. Having a child create their own “goodnight poem” is a great idea to help them connect with it more. They can identify items around their bedroom or classroom. This was a super sweet book that I understand now why it is a popular gift for baby showers. It’s becoming a classic bedtime story as it has been around for many years. A great plus about this story is that bedtime is part of everyone’s life. Having a classroom discussion about what students already do in their bedtime routine can start conversations comparing each other’s routine.

 


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