Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd

Picture Book/Easy Reader

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/goodnight-moon-by-margaret-wise-brown/

Evaluation of Book

The perfect bedtime book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is a classic in children’s literature. Kids can’t seem to get enough of this sleepy time book. Every night before going to bed this story made it into my own children’s pile of must reads.

Goodnight Moon is a simple story. There reader is introduced to a room with many things in it. As the story goes along, the reader says goodnight to everything in the room. There’s a bowl of mush, three bears sitting in chairs, an old lady, a red balloon.

Wise Brown creates the perfect mood in her story through the simple rhythm and rhyme of the words. The sound of the words and the pictures combine to reassure the reader that nighttime is not to be feared. The way it’s been written the reader finds their voice getting softer as the story goes along. The pacing and ordering of the words create a rhythm that matches the back and forth motion of the rocking chair. It’s mesmerizing and captivating.

Hurd complements these rhythmic words with his tender but bold illustrations. The small rabbit’s room is brightly colored with green walls and red carpet. He then contrasts these bright colors with black and white images and as the story continues the room gets darker as everyone is about to go to sleep. Other delightful additions by Hurd include the changing clock and fire as well as the small mouse hidden on each page for the reader to find.

Response

Although I don’t believe this story was read to me as a child, this universal, feel-good, tuck-my-kids-into-bed was a staple in our house. I have read it countless times to many children. In fact my own high school children commented that it was one they remember with great fondness. This book has managed to touch hearts with its simple story line. It reminds us that we all fall asleep under the same moon no matter where we are in the world. It provides a closeness and connection that is maintained through the years.

Conclusion

Goodnight Moon is a charming classic piece of children’s literature. It is one that I have truly appreciated and recommend. This timeless story should be a staple in any reader’s library.

Citation

Brown, M.W., & Hurd, C. (2005). Goodnight moon. Revised edition. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.