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Goodnight Ganesha
A gorgeously illustrated goodnight story that celebrates the nighttime rituals of two young children visiting their grandparents in India.
As nighttime falls over the city, two children visiting their grandparents in India find there's so much fun to be had! Whether it's listening to epic stories or observing rituals in the puja room, there are many moments that make this time together special.
In this beautiful, rhyming ode to bedtime, the only thing more universal than getting ready for bed and saying goodnight is the love between children and their grandparents.
As nighttime falls over the city, two children visiting their grandparents in India find there's so much fun to be had! Whether it's listening to epic stories or observing rituals in the puja room, there are many moments that make this time together special.
In this beautiful, rhyming ode to bedtime, the only thing more universal than getting ready for bed and saying goodnight is the love between children and their grandparents.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2021
About the author
Nadia Salomon
2 books48 followersNadia Salomon is a #PitMad Success Story and the author of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, which is a Bank Street Best Book and ALSC DIA Selection. Nadia also has two forthcoming books, a non-fiction, picture book biography, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE, the recipient of the 2019 SCBWI WOOP Honor Award for work of outstanding progress and A RAKHI FOR RAKESH.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s054rl
Book Bub: https://bit.ly/3wXtzcT
Nadia's Nook Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gnmszz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s054rl
Book Bub: https://bit.ly/3wXtzcT
Nadia's Nook Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gnmszz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 29, 2023
Lavishly illustrated story about family and the rituals that bind generations. A brother and sister bond with their family as devotion to Ganesha is meditated on. The story is simple yet deep; the small interactions that we hold close when we are safe with family. Beautiful art that is reminiscent of devotional portraits seen in Hindu homes. Would be a nice intoduction to Ganesha for those not of the Hindu faith.
November 27, 2022
Two young children visit their grandparents in India in this gorgeous bedtime book, bidding goodnight to the objects and rituals around them, and to their loving elders. In rhyming text, the narrative highlights both the religious elements of the family's lives—the portrait of Ganesha on the wall; the statues of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu on the mantle; the prayers offered in the puja room—and the loving ties that bind the children to their grandparents.
Pairing an engaging text in rhyme with absolutely gorgeous artwork, Goodnight Ganesha is a bedtime book worth spending time with. It marks the debut of author Nadia Salomon, and is all the more impressive for that. I loved the callback to the classic Goodnight Moon here, with the goodnight refrain, in which the narrative bids goodnight to a series of objects, peoples and ideas. The text itself read well, and although I did feel there were one or two awkward moments, they didn't detract significantly from the reading experience overall. The illustrator, Poonam Mistry, is one I know from the work she did on Chitra Soundar's You're Safe With Me , You're Snug with Me and You're Strong with Me . It was the artwork, in fact, that led me to track this title down, and I was certainly not disappointed that I did! Intricate, ornate, and absolutely beautiful, these images are stunning.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for gorgeously-illustrated bedtime books, picture-books with an Indian and/or Hindu cultural background, or stories featuring grandparents and grandchildren.
Pairing an engaging text in rhyme with absolutely gorgeous artwork, Goodnight Ganesha is a bedtime book worth spending time with. It marks the debut of author Nadia Salomon, and is all the more impressive for that. I loved the callback to the classic Goodnight Moon here, with the goodnight refrain, in which the narrative bids goodnight to a series of objects, peoples and ideas. The text itself read well, and although I did feel there were one or two awkward moments, they didn't detract significantly from the reading experience overall. The illustrator, Poonam Mistry, is one I know from the work she did on Chitra Soundar's You're Safe With Me , You're Snug with Me and You're Strong with Me . It was the artwork, in fact, that led me to track this title down, and I was certainly not disappointed that I did! Intricate, ornate, and absolutely beautiful, these images are stunning.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for gorgeously-illustrated bedtime books, picture-books with an Indian and/or Hindu cultural background, or stories featuring grandparents and grandchildren.
February 3, 2022
"There, by the window, beams warmth in a frame.
With wisom in hand--Ganesha's his name.
The giver of good luck and hope just the same,
he watches as we play our Goodnight game.
Goodnight, window.
Goodnight, frame.
Goodnight, Ganesha--watching our game."
***************************************
So immersive! The illustrations are absolutely stunning (I'm fast becoming a Poonam Mistry fan!) The story follows the Goodnight, Moon style as two children go through their bedtime routine at their grandmother's house. I found the rhyme scheme a bit clunky at times, but I still enjoyed the heart of the story and, along with the illustrations, can easily give the book four stars. The author's note reminds us that, "no matter how different or similar our backgrounds may be, going to bed is a universal experience" and that our bedtime traditions can be very dear to us. I love picture books that remind children that we are more alike than we are different, and this is certainly one of them.
With wisom in hand--Ganesha's his name.
The giver of good luck and hope just the same,
he watches as we play our Goodnight game.
Goodnight, window.
Goodnight, frame.
Goodnight, Ganesha--watching our game."
***************************************
So immersive! The illustrations are absolutely stunning (I'm fast becoming a Poonam Mistry fan!) The story follows the Goodnight, Moon style as two children go through their bedtime routine at their grandmother's house. I found the rhyme scheme a bit clunky at times, but I still enjoyed the heart of the story and, along with the illustrations, can easily give the book four stars. The author's note reminds us that, "no matter how different or similar our backgrounds may be, going to bed is a universal experience" and that our bedtime traditions can be very dear to us. I love picture books that remind children that we are more alike than we are different, and this is certainly one of them.
May 22, 2021
Stunningly beautiful bedtime story almost puts the reader in a trance! The rich colors and dazzling designs coupled with the rhythmic prose bring warmth and fragrance to calming evening rituals lovingly shared by Indian grandparents with two grandchildren.
January 2, 2022
A Hindu Goodnight Moon. As a non Sanskrit speaker, I appreciated the glossary at the end.
September 13, 2021
I just love everything about this book!
January 18, 2021
I had the opportunity to read this book in advance. It is a lovely bedtime tale in the vein of the classic GOODNIGHT MOON, following two young children and their Nana as she tucks them in for the night. Seen through the eyes of the two children, India comes to life for readers. As they settle down, the children bid goodnight to all the markers and events that shaped their day: a framed image of Ganesha, marigolds in a bowl, a gecko enjoying the cool night breeze. Beautifully written, GOODNIGHT GANESHA is a story that expands the horizons of readers who may be unfamiliar with the MC's culture, while at the same time presents a common thread that can unite all readers in a shared experience.
September 12, 2021
I met this author by random chance a couple of years back, and I'm so glad I did because she announced this book deal soon after. I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my pre-order ever since. We met at a local indie bookstore that I was visiting to attend a friend's picture book launch event in pre-pandemic times. Nadia, another picture book author at the event, and I talked a bit, but I had no idea Nadia was also an author until later that day when she followed me on Twitter. Small world!
That has nothing to do with anything. Just felt like sharing. Now, onto the review! :)
Goodnight Ganesha was a beautiful read. It felt like a reimagined Goodnight Moon in its timeless, rhyming passages and the writing's lyricism. It follows two kids who are visiting their grandparents in India and manages to incorporate so much of Indian and Hindu culture into sparse verse. Hindu kids will almost certainly connect with the story, but this picture book is more far-reaching in its appeal to virtually any reader and lover of picture books because of the inviting narrative.
Plus the illustrations. The illustrations are stunning. I spent time just studying all the nuanced details of the imagery after reading each page.
This is a book worth purchasing for your collection and reading frequently with other bedtime stories. It's a genuinely lovely read.
That has nothing to do with anything. Just felt like sharing. Now, onto the review! :)
Goodnight Ganesha was a beautiful read. It felt like a reimagined Goodnight Moon in its timeless, rhyming passages and the writing's lyricism. It follows two kids who are visiting their grandparents in India and manages to incorporate so much of Indian and Hindu culture into sparse verse. Hindu kids will almost certainly connect with the story, but this picture book is more far-reaching in its appeal to virtually any reader and lover of picture books because of the inviting narrative.
Plus the illustrations. The illustrations are stunning. I spent time just studying all the nuanced details of the imagery after reading each page.
This is a book worth purchasing for your collection and reading frequently with other bedtime stories. It's a genuinely lovely read.
September 1, 2021
This beautiful bedtime story celebrates the love between children and grandparents, and the memory-making moments we share together before drifting off to sleep. The gentle rhyming text is soothing and comforting, just like a lullaby. I could read this book over and over, and never tire of the way the words roll off my tongue. The stunning illustrations, which remind me of the night sky, perfectly complement the evocative text. The backmatter includes an author’s note, and a glossary of terms for readers unfamiliar with some of the words. Kids from all cultures and backgrounds will recognize some of their own bedtime routines in this universally shared experience. This gorgeous book is destined to become a classic.
May 21, 2021
A beautifully written and illustrated book. I wanted to live in each scene. So serene are the words and stunningly detailed illustrations evoke the feel of night. This is a must read for children to appreciate the different bedtime rituals all over the world. Nadia's poetic refrains on each page, read alone, are another way to read when you are short on time, Goodnight, marigolds.
Goodnight, moon.
Goodnight, planes going zhoom, zhoom, zhoom
Goodnight, moon.
Goodnight, planes going zhoom, zhoom, zhoom
August 30, 2021
Bedtime routines are so special. I love seeing some things I did with my daughters, like precious family moments while winding down and saying goodnight to everything around us. And I adore the glimpse into the routine of two children saying goodnight while visiting their grandparents in India. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. I can’t stop staring at the intricate details.
The lyrical rhyme and varied goodnight refrains make it easy for children to chime in. This is great to read before children go to bed…then say their own special goodnights before drifting off to sleep.
The lyrical rhyme and varied goodnight refrains make it easy for children to chime in. This is great to read before children go to bed…then say their own special goodnights before drifting off to sleep.
September 24, 2021
Two children visiting their grandparents in India indulge in playful yet soothing bedtime rituals as they settle down to sleep. Evocative language coupled with colorful, detailed art in this beautiful rhyming bedtime book.
“Nana hums a serene lullaby
as she sips and savors her sweet, spicy chai.
Outside, a starry halo hangs high,
above the city and black night sky.
Goodnight, humming.
Goodnight, chai.
Goodnight, halo hanging high.”
“Nana hums a serene lullaby
as she sips and savors her sweet, spicy chai.
Outside, a starry halo hangs high,
above the city and black night sky.
Goodnight, humming.
Goodnight, chai.
Goodnight, halo hanging high.”
September 27, 2021
Incredibly gorgeous and detailed illustrations with a lovely rhyming story.
February 21, 2022
Goodnight Ganesha is a joy to read aloud, and the illustrations are a feast for the eyes. Nadia Salomon’s poetic text is mesmerizing and soothing in this universally relatable story about bedtime rituals. Through the eyes of two siblings visiting their grandparents in India, we’re introduced to the cultural details of their world, like in these beautiful lines:
"There, by the window, beams warmth in a frame.
With wisdom in hand--Ganesha's his name.
The giver of good luck and hope just the same,
he watches as we play our Goodnight game.
Goodnight, window.
Goodnight, frame.
Goodnight, Ganesha--watching our game."
The illustrations are gorgeous and full of intricate details. Back matter includes an author’s note, and a glossary of words. A must for every home, library, and classroom!
"There, by the window, beams warmth in a frame.
With wisdom in hand--Ganesha's his name.
The giver of good luck and hope just the same,
he watches as we play our Goodnight game.
Goodnight, window.
Goodnight, frame.
Goodnight, Ganesha--watching our game."
The illustrations are gorgeous and full of intricate details. Back matter includes an author’s note, and a glossary of words. A must for every home, library, and classroom!
December 23, 2021
Oh goodness. This book is beautiful in both words and art. This lyrical ode to bedtime follows two curious kids’ bedtime ritual as they visit their grandparents in India. The poetry in the verses feels both universal and unique and introduced (me) to lovely references to life in India. While the verses feel playful and curious and exploratory, the sweet and soothing “goodnight” refrain at the end of each page deepens the story by soothing each spread into a lullaby. It’s this brilliance that creates a dynamic through the words, a conversation that plays perfectly with the vibrant yet meditative art. I’d recommend this book for any classroom, home, library.
January 21, 2022
When I picked up this book, I was absolutely FLOORED at the delicate intricacy in the art and the incredible, lilting text. It's as if each spread is a masterpiece! I am not exaggerating. It's literally one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen! Nadia Solomon's text rolls gently off the tongue, as a sweet homage to bedtime in a culture both unfamiliar to many and yet familiar to absolutely every child in the world -- at the same time! It's a celebration of family, traditions, and unity, all wrapped up beneath a warm, tender blanket of love. Highly recommend!!!
January 27, 2022
An absolutely beautiful book all around. It's a wonderful read aloud because the rhymes are interesting and inventive, but you never feel like anything's forced. The first-person perspective really helps the reader feel like they're in the room with Nana. I love that the story features Indian traditions as well as universal themes of bedtime routines and grandparent-grandkid relationships. The illustrations by Poonam Mistry are just gorgeous. Highly recommend!
February 21, 2022
Lyrical prose, gorgeous illustrations, rich Hindu elements with universal appeal: I was completely charmed by Goodnight Ganesha. It has a lovely rhyming cadence with children and their Nana going through a lovely bedtime routine. Reminiscent of Goodnight, Moon, the lyrical goodnights made me feel all warm and cozy.
Goodnight, family,
Goodnight, love,
Goodnight, sweet Ganesha and stars up above.
Highly recommend for families everywhere.
Goodnight, family,
Goodnight, love,
Goodnight, sweet Ganesha and stars up above.
Highly recommend for families everywhere.
December 11, 2021
The gorgeous art by Poonam Mistry and beautiful words by Nadia Salomon takes two kids through their goodnight routines as they visit their Indian grandparent's home in Goodnight Ganesha. Reminiscent of the classic Goodnight Moon, kids will pay close attention to all the things in the room and the grandparent's traditions steeped in history as they wind down to go to sleep.
February 19, 2022
GOODNIGHT GANESHA is one of the ultimate examples of putting a beautiful new spin on a bedtime classic. Replete with cultural references, some wonderfully unique and others universal, it will appeal to children around the globe. And the artwork offers a stunning visual complement to the sweet, rhyming text.
December 2, 2021
Goodnight Ganesha is a gem of bedtime Children’s books. With lyrical rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations, Salomon and Mistry made a new classic. It will be enjoyed and cherished for years to come. A must-read.
December 28, 2021
A heart-warming bedtime story written in prose....the strong bond between grandparents and their kids, Indian culture, and the illustrations, especially of Ganesha at night time in the sky are just beautiful!!!!
January 7, 2022
Goodnight Ganesha is a gorgeously illustrated nighttime story of two young children and their bedtime rituals when they visit their grandparents in India. I immediately felt invited into their culture and world in this creative and carefully crafted bedtime book.
December 10, 2021
Beautiful story.
The illustrations are breathtaking.
The illustrations are breathtaking.
September 3, 2021
Goodnight Ganesha, is a bedtime picture book to celebrate children and their distant families. Nadia Salomon’s heart rendered read-aloud respects those who navigate between homes and countries far away. With global travel becoming normal for many children, this story offers comfort. It places value on ritual, native language, and visits to grandparents to strengthen multi-generational relationships.
This book is also an excellent resource for teachers who would like to acknowledge and share nuances of India’s culture with their students. It provides a parallel text to compare with Goodnight Moon. Yet, this modernized picture book offers a different angle with things to learn, touch, see, hear, smell and taste while visiting India.
The magical rhythm of the text matched with Hindu rituals and Kalamkari art transports you to India.
This book is also an excellent resource for teachers who would like to acknowledge and share nuances of India’s culture with their students. It provides a parallel text to compare with Goodnight Moon. Yet, this modernized picture book offers a different angle with things to learn, touch, see, hear, smell and taste while visiting India.
The magical rhythm of the text matched with Hindu rituals and Kalamkari art transports you to India.
October 10, 2021
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, each spread is a work of art unto itself.
I love the idea of taking the familiar lines of "Goodnight, _____" and transforming them using your own bedtime routine. I'd love to see a whole series of "Goodnight, _____" interpretations from around the world.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel like these particular lines flowed that well. They felt stilted and at times a little confusing. But there were enough positive aspects about the book that this wasn't a deal-breaker for me.
This would be a fun tool to introduce aspects of Indian culture to children from other cultures. And of course, it's great to have more representation so that Indian children can see themselves in books.
I love the idea of taking the familiar lines of "Goodnight, _____" and transforming them using your own bedtime routine. I'd love to see a whole series of "Goodnight, _____" interpretations from around the world.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel like these particular lines flowed that well. They felt stilted and at times a little confusing. But there were enough positive aspects about the book that this wasn't a deal-breaker for me.
This would be a fun tool to introduce aspects of Indian culture to children from other cultures. And of course, it's great to have more representation so that Indian children can see themselves in books.
March 11, 2022
Poetic!
Beautiful Illustrations!
Heartwarming unity of children visiting their grandparents in India and slowly going....to...bed...
Nadia Salomon's simple text provides subtlety and repetition to make even the most wide-awake reader ready for a nap.
The beautiful (seriously) intricate and symbolic illustrations of Hinduism and India's artistic style are done by very talented illustrator, Poonam Mistry. She really does a incredible job!
I find myself falling more and more in love with India and Hinduism the more I see it in books and onscreen. Experiencing it feels sensory and immersive on a different level. There's just something entrancing about it and this books' art and design is no exception.
Beautiful Illustrations!
Heartwarming unity of children visiting their grandparents in India and slowly going....to...bed...
Nadia Salomon's simple text provides subtlety and repetition to make even the most wide-awake reader ready for a nap.
The beautiful (seriously) intricate and symbolic illustrations of Hinduism and India's artistic style are done by very talented illustrator, Poonam Mistry. She really does a incredible job!
I find myself falling more and more in love with India and Hinduism the more I see it in books and onscreen. Experiencing it feels sensory and immersive on a different level. There's just something entrancing about it and this books' art and design is no exception.
August 22, 2021
Wow. This book is absolutely spectacular! If I had to pick between liking the words or the illustrations better, I wouldn’t be able to. They complement each other so perfectly and are both so rich and filled with life. This is more than just a bedtime story—it’s an experience. I loved the peek into bedtime rituals different (and also similar) from my own. There is so much warmth and love packed into this book, between the story of the two children and the details in the illustrations. Treat yourself to this story—it’s the kind of book that can be enjoyed over and over again for years to come.
March 11, 2022
This is a lyrical bedtime story with a nod to Goodnight Moon, featuring grandparents who slowly get their two grandchildren to bed and to sleep through the use of a bedtime ritual or routine from the perspective of a Desi-oriented culture. I agree with the author's statement in her note: "No matter how different or similar our backgrounds may be, going to bed is a universal experience." And here, the rich sensory details and giggles abound to create a very specific, but universal feeling. It is a soothing and gorgeously illustrated book.
April 13, 2022
Goodnight Ganesha is rated a 4-star for it's distinctly diverse content and uniquely beautiful illustrations. Nadia Salomon captures the peace of nighttime routines and conjures the warm feelings of an overnight visit with grandparents. The familiar Goodnight Moon text pattern and glossary at the end of the story help to clarify the somewhat difficult to follow sequencing and characters' confusing movements throughout the home. Goodnight Ganesha is a valuable addition to school and classroom libraries.
Ages: 3-7
Ages: 3-7
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews