Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is an iconic children’s book classic which has been loved by parents and children alike for over sixty years. Published in 1947, it is a comforting bedtime story about saying goodbye to the various objects in a young rabbit’s room before sleep. The simple text is represented through cute, classic artwork, so is a great book to read at night.
When first greeted with the book, one is struck by its colorful, detailed art. Each page features a rabbit in a room full of charming objects, such as a clock, a toy house, and a bowl full of mush. There is a great attention to detail in the different writing and art styles, from the simple block text used for the rabbit’s words, to the more ornate type used for the objects. Although the book was written during a time of technological advancements, it utilizes a traditional printing method which adds to its charm.
The story begins with a rabbit saying goodnight to everything in his room, starting with the “Great green room” itself. Each page then focuses on a different object in the room, with the rabbit saying goodnight to them in turn. Some of these objects have deep symbolic meaning - such as the moon being ‘Goodnight stars’ and the cow jumping over the moon - while others are everyday items which a child can relate to immediately. The repetition of the phrase ‘Goodnight’ is comforting to children and helps create a safe, secure environment before sleep.
The underlying message in Goodnight Moon is about life’s inevitability. Everything must come to an end, and this book focuses on the idea of finding peace in this certainty. Despite the bunny’s sadness when saying goodbye, there is still an underlying sense of acceptance in the language used. This helps children see the beauty in life’s passing moments and gives them a tool to properly accept its unavoidable changes.
Despite being first published in 1947, Goodnight Moon remains one of the most popular children’s books to this day. Its timeless message and charming artwork appeal to parents and children alike, and it continues to be a much-loved bedtime story for generations. Parents appreciate the comforting message, while children are enchanted with its sweet illustrations. There is something special about this book, and no matter how much the world changes, it seems certain that Goodnight Moon will continue to be loved for years to come.
