GOODNIGHT MOON

1.  Bibliography

Brown, Margaret. 2005. Goodnight Moon. Ill. By Clement Hurd. New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. ISBN 9780060775858

2.  Plot Summary

Goodnight Moon is a classic picture book in which a bunny goes through his bedtime ritual of saying goodnight to many things in his room.  In a bright green room, bunny begins his whispers of “goodnight” to his room and many things in it. There are fun items like a bright red balloon floating near the ceiling, practical items like a brush and comb, the peaceful presence of the old bunny knitting in a rocking chair while she hushes the child, and of course, the rising moon. As the bunny says “goodnight” the room slowly darkens and bunny gets tucked into the covers and the reader can imagine bunny’s whisper grow a little quieter with each “goodnight.”  Bunny is alone, but he seems blissfully unaware.

3.  Critical Analysis

In Goodnight Moon, author Margaret Brown takes both bunny and the reader through a wonderful time of quieting down at the end of the day.  Though it is not filled with plot or suspense, it is an enjoyable classic bedtime story to calm children and ready them for the happy place of sleep and dreams.  As children often have difficulty with bedtime, bunny’s ease with the transition can offer comfort and routine to them. 

Clement Hurd’s illustrations play a very important role in the storytelling.  As a bedtime book, the pictures begin bright and cheery, but as each page is turned, there is a visual reminder that bunny must go to sleep. The picture alternates from the entire room on a double page spread, to close up black and white pictures of the items bunny is bidding goodnight, allowing the reader to notice small things, like the mouse or the telephone, in the bedroom that may have been missed otherwise.  As the room slowly darkens, the moon and stars brighten and take over the sky, and in the muted colors of the room, one can appreciate the glowing fire under the mantel as well as the illuminated toy house, comforting nightlights for bunny. Bunny’s final thoughts are “Goodnight stars” and “Goodnight air,” giving a sense to the reader that his thoughts are drifting from the conscious to a dreamlike sort of state.

The book Goodnight Moon can be observed on bunny’s nightstand, lending to the thought that perhaps bunny did not create the ritual himself, but learned it from his favorite bedtime story.  Bedtime stories are beloved by both children and adults, and this classic picture book is a favorite with good cause.  Its rhythmic writing and illustrations are reminiscent of the rhythm of being rocked to sleep.  Children may outgrow their mother’s lap, but will enjoy this book for a lifetime.

Surprisingly, this was my first time to read Goodnight Moon, however, I was familiar with the book through references friends had made to the book, quoting its famous words.  I am very glad I finally read it, but sad I missed out on the experience as a child. 

4.  Review Excerpt

"In a soft sing-song, here is a bunny saying goodnight room, goodnight moon, goodnight to all the familiar objects in the softly lighted room. Then- as the room darkens, in successive pictures, the goodnight ceremony moves forward."--Kirkus Review

"...Rhythmic, gently lulling words combined with warm and equally lulling pictures make this beloved classic 'an ideal bedtime book'." -- The Christian Science Monitor 

5.  Connections

*Lead a children’s discussion on children’s favorite bedtime routines and other rituals.  Encourage bedtime reading as a predictable routine.   

*Also by Margaret Brown, A Child’s Goodnight Book, a Caldecott Honor book. 

*Gather other books illustrated by Clement Hurd, focusing on his numerous collaborations with his wife Edith Thacher.