Goodnight, Goodnight

by Eve Rice

Night settles over a town and all its people going about their nighttime activities.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1980

Reviews

[Donni Hakanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have shared this book with many children over the years and it is a favourite. The illustrations are beautiful and it's fun to find things or point them out. One of those books I am happy to keep forever for visiting children to enjoy!

[Nick Swarbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some night time books feel like the lulling end is an afterthought; Goodnight Goodnight is a lullaby in book form, an evening hymn to a busy urban street putting itself to bed. The repeated “goodnight” lends itself to different tones and characters, while the muted colours and the rhythm of the prose keeps the narrative firmly headed towards bed. I love it - and my children have too: a perfect bedtime story.

[Korinne Sackela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, calm read. I loved this book, I think it would make a good bedtime story for a small child, just in the repetition of words and the calm rhythm it presents. It was a nice, relaxing read.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great yellow on black

[Ellie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simply told and atmospheric story that sees the buzz of a little town begin to fade away, as night draws in and people bid each other goodnight. This was such an endearing tale, I loved the gentle illustrations, the hushed palette of white, black and yellow portraying darkness so softly and warmly, as it settles peacefully in wait for each character to return home.
To me, it was a refreshing change for the night to be normalized, rather than being portrayed as something feared or necessary to overcome, which it needn't always be. A lovely book that would sooth any anxious little ones before bed.

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book - love the minimal color and personified Goodnight. Recurring kitten brings closure to the story!

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple bedtime lullaby story. Love the black and white illustrations!

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply lovely! A precious childhood favourite !! .... Thank You. X

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too simplistic with far too much repetition, even for a children’s book.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodnight creeps in slowly with the dark, and even little cats on rooftops must heed its call.

A sweet book, with wonderful, unusual illustrations.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice art, but otherwise unmemorable.

[Katelynn Callahan]

This is a great bedtime story for children. It is about people who live in a neighborhood that is getting ready to go to sleep for the night. Everyone comes home from their daily activities and settles in for the night. People all over the town are saying goodnight to each other. It is a very calming story that will relax the reader. It uses all black and white except for the occasional yellow that depicts the moon and the few lights in the houses that are still on.
The illustrator uses different techniques like dark crayon, pencil and pen. It is beautifully illustrated and easy on the eyes and uses layering to make the scenes very detailed. I think children would love this book however I do not think it is necessarily meant for a lesson plan, just a simple story to relax and enjoy reading.

[Erika Arechiga · Rating 3 out of 5]

A town is getting for bed by saying goodnight. Neighbors, families, and a kitten on rooftops. This book is very calming and relaxing, especially with the dark colors. Some things are a yellow-gold color, representing light in the night. This book reminded me of House in the Night, but I'm sure the illustrator of House in the Night was inspired by this book, since it came before it. I liked the black and white colors, as well as the gold that pops out of the pages. I could see how old it was, just by the illustrations. For example, on one page, a family is saying goodnight and the father is holding a pipe. I think that in present times, this would cause a lot of controversy so illustrators nowadays would not include something like this. I don't think I would use this in a classroom because it seems more suitable as a bedtime story.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent bedtime story. The story gets the kids to both pay attention and relax, and the illustrations - while very detailed and layered - don't bombard the senses with every color in the rainbow. Just black, white, grey, and a touch of yellow here and there.

[Idiosyncratic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several copies of this; I loved it so much that I thought I should stick it all over my walls.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone in the city says goodnight except for cat who wants someone to play with.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations, and the contrast of yellow on black.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, beautifully done. I like how this helps kids imagine what's going on in the homes and on the streets around them at bedtime. Brings an early awareness of others.