Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon

Written by Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by Clement Hurd

What did I find out about this book that I immediately liked? It was originally published in 1947. Aww, it's a vintage story. The illustrations play on my love for all things vintage. I wouldn't mind having one or two of these pictures framed on a wall in my house. They would be excellent nursery room décor.

Reading the book with thoughtful reflection for the first time gives me the impression this is on the top 100 list because of the simplicity of it's storyline. This is like a story that a mother would make up for a tired child at bedtime who came into Mom's room simply wanting to hear mother's voice comfort him to sleep. Mom is tired too so she pulls elements from surroundings in the bedroom weaving them into a story that she can easily tell between yawns. What mother hasn't done this? This is classic proving stories don't have to be complicated to get published.

My 4-year-old daughters favorite part is the fact that with each turn of the page the moon slowly rises further into view of the window until fully seen. She also likes that the quiet old lady whispering "hush" is actually a little old lady rabbit in a dress as is the child that is tucked in bed. That adds a bit of fantasy to the whimsy of the pages.

Goodnight Moon is considered a "see and say" book, it helps a toddler learn the names of objects by pointing to the picture and saying what they are called. The board book edition is an excellent book to tuck into a baby shower gift basket for a first time mom. That's how I got my copy and then toted it around in my diaper bag.
What are your thoughts on this book? Do you like it? Do you own a copy? Has a child you know enjoyed it?

Next review will be on Ezra Jack Keats celebration of The Snowy Day. It seems like a good pick for this time of year as I look out my window watching the snow cascade from the sky.