Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown, Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
Goodnight Moon cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1611
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780060207069
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 1947-09-03
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Board book • £7.99
Bookshop
Format • £7.59

Goodnight Moon is a beloved children's book that has been a staple in bedtime routines for generations. The story gently bids goodnight to each item in the great green room, from chairs to the moon outside the window, creating a calming and comforting atmosphere. The rhythmic text and warm illustrations by Clement Hurd make it a perfect book to read aloud, helping children wind down and prepare for sleep. This classic tale has been cherished by parents and children alike, offering a simple yet profound way to say goodnight./n/nThe book's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the comforting routine it establishes. Margaret Wise Brown's gentle prose and Hurd's soft, dreamy illustrations combine to create a serene and peaceful environment. Goodnight Moon is not just a story; it's a ritual that has helped countless children drift off to sleep with a sense of security and warmth. Its timeless message of love and comfort makes it a must-have for any child's bookshelf.

Reviews
The BookBag · 2025-10-08
calming 4.00

The soothing words and calming illustrations make this book a perfect bedtime story that even adults find relaxing. It's a useful tool for winding down and preparing for sleep.

The BookBag praises Goodnight Moon for its soothing and calming effect, noting that the words are particularly gentle and quiet, almost lulling the reader to sleep. They appreciate how the book's rhythm and simplicity make it an ideal bedtime story, not just for children but for adults as well. The reviewer finds the illustrations equally calming, creating a serene atmosphere that helps in winding down. They highlight the book's timeless appeal and its effectiveness in preparing both children and adults for a peaceful night's sleep.

Quick quotes

    The words are particularly soothing, quiet and gently calming - even as an adult I found that just reading through them almost lulled me to sleep.

    It's a useful tool for winding down and preparing for sleep.

    The gentle rhythm and simplicity make it an ideal bedtime story.

Land of Books and Honey · 2025-10-08
recommended 4.50

Highly recommended for both children and adults, the book is seen as a valuable addition to any family's library. Its simple yet profound message makes it a must-read.

This reviewer highly recommends Goodnight Moon not just for children but for adults as well, highlighting its simple yet profound message. They see it as a valuable addition to any family's library, appreciating its timeless appeal and the way it brings joy and comfort to both young and old. The book's ability to create a calming bedtime routine is also noted, making it a must-read for parents and guardians.

Quick quotes

    I highly recommend this children's book to parents and guardians, not just for the child, but for the adults as well.

    Goodnight Moon may help create a calming bedtime routine.

    A valuable addition to any family's library.

The Invisible Melon · 2025-05-20
heartwarming 4.50

The book is praised for its subtle message about caring for the world, making it a perfect story for parents to share with their children. Its gentle rhythm and simple rhyming text create a soothing bedtime experience.

This review highlights how Goodnight Moon is more than just a bedtime story; it carries a subtle yet important message about the world around us. They appreciate how the book's quiet poetry and gentle illustrations make it an ideal choice for parents to read to their children, fostering a sense of care and connection. The rhythm and rhyming text are noted for their calming effect, making it a delightful and meaningful experience for both parents and children.

Quick quotes

    It is the perfect story for a parent to share with a child because there is also a subtle message that there is a world out there that we should care about.

    The quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations

    A perfect bedtime story that carries a subtle yet important message about the world around us.

The New York Times · 2022-12-22
critical 2.00

The book is criticized for being maudlin and depressing, lacking the playful energy found in other children's books. The reviewer finds it less engaging compared to other classics.

The New York Times review takes a critical stance on Goodnight Moon, describing it as maudlin and depressing. They feel it lacks the wild abandon and whimsy present in other beloved children's books like 'Jamberry' and 'There's a Wocket in My Pocket!'. The reviewer acknowledges its status as a classic but believes it falls short in terms of engaging young readers with its more subdued tone and simpler narrative. They suggest that while it may have been groundbreaking in its time, it may not hold the same appeal for modern audiences seeking more vibrant and imaginative stories.

Quick quotes

    The book was maudlin and depressing.

    It lacked the wild abandon of 'Jamberry' and the wacky nonsense of 'There's a Wocket in My Pocket!'

    While it may have been groundbreaking in its time, it may not hold the same appeal for modern audiences seeking more vibrant and imaginative stories.

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