Spot has had a busy day, and now it?s time for bed. It?s time to put his toys away, to get his bath, and to say goodnight to his mom and dad and his cat, Ginger. At last, looking out at the moon, Spot wonders if there?s anyone else to say goodnight to. ?Oh yes,? he says, ?Goodnight, me.? This sweet book?a Spot classic in the making?is the perfect way for parents to ease their toddlers toward bedtime.
Eric Gordon Hill OBE was a popular author and illustrator of children's picture books, best known for his character Spot the Dog. His works have been widely praised for their contributions to child literacy. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours.
It is time to go to bed...but there are things that must be done before you say goodnight. This book will help small children focus on the 'bed time list' by reinforcing a nightly routine.
A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.
And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
There's not that much you can say about a book like this. It's Spot. It has flaps. Ergo, children will inexplicably drool over it. This one isn't sexist or offensive in any way. It's about as safe, if bland, as they come.
I have been very fond of this series since Jake was a toddler, and this installment is no different. There is something very alluring for small children in looking behind the flap—they do not have object permanence at 2 (the target age range is 2-4, and I think that is perfect—the board book versions of these books hold up a little better as well. The volume I took out of the library was taped and torn, which reflects our home experience with these as well). So they have to look at it over and over again to be able to see what is behind. I think Eric Hill hit upon a very successful formula with these books, and Spot is very cute in and of himself. There are some very common themes here as well—looking behind the curtain and finding the moon, looking behind the newspaper and finding Dad, to name a couple. I recommend having at least one of these in the home library of small children, and it is a good baby shower gift.
I love how interactive this book is. Little ones love how they can lift the flaps and discover the different pictures inside. I love how I can read most of the book, with a beginning reader chiming in to read the words behind the flaps. It's a bright and happy bedtime book.
Talking points: Do you like going to sleep? Why or why not? What are some of the things you do for your bedtime routine? Is there something you would like to add to your bedtime routine? Is there something you would like to take away from your bedtime routine? Who are the friends you can't wait to play with our share your day with in the morning?
Spot Says Goodnight (Spot the Dog) by Eric Hill follows Spot in this lift-the-flap book as he comes inside, takes a bath, and says goodnight to play things, to his pets, to his parents, and to one more individual.
Hill's illustrations are typically cute, and include a nod to Goodnight Moon. The flaps are appealing as always. My favorite images are toys, newspaper, curtain, star curtains, and last picture.
Hill's simple text is low key and gently comforting, with a touch of humor. The large font makes this easy to read and share one on one. 3.5 stars.
For ages 2 to 4, bedtime, lift-the-flap-books, dogs, pets, family, and fans of Eric Hill.