Good Night, Gorilla

by Peggy Rathmann
Good Night, Gorilla cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Children's Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Board book • £7.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8754
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780698116498
  • Publisher: Puffin Books
  • Published: 2000-05-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Good Night, Gorilla,' a playful gorilla follows the zookeeper on his nightly rounds, letting all the animals out of their cages for a secret nighttime adventure. The book is practically wordless but filled with expressive art and hilarious details that make it a delightful read for children and parents alike. This Caldecott Medal-winning book by Peggy Rathmann is sure to become a beloved part of bedtime rituals, with its tranquil tone and amusing illustrations that offer more with every look./n/nCritics have praised 'Good Night, Gorilla' for its economical text and simple yet vibrant illustrations. The book's many amusing details and affectionate tone make it an outstanding picture book, perfect for little night owls who love to sneak along with Gorilla and see who gets the last laugh. It's a clever, comforting bedtime story that has been recognized by various literary awards and publications.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-12-23
brilliant 4.80

This book is a brilliant choice for preschool children, with simple text and expressive illustrations that make the story thrilling and funny.

This book is a brilliant choice for preschool children, with simple text and expressive illustrations that make the story thrilling and funny. The minimal text allows for a lot of interaction and imagination, making it a great book to read together. The illustrations are detailed and expressive, capturing the attention of young readers and making the story come alive.

Quick quotes

    This is an absolutely brilliant book for preschool children

    Beautifully simple text, thrilling funny story with wonderful expressive illustrations

    We have had this book for years and it is still a firm favourite

BookTrust · 2025-12-22
enchanting 5.00

The book is celebrated for its clever and funny bedtime story, with enchanting illustrations that captivate young readers. Observant children will enjoy exploring the detailed artwork.

This book is a delightful addition to any child's library, with its clever and funny bedtime story that keeps young readers engaged. The illustrations are enchanting and full of details that children will love to explore. It's a great way to encourage observation skills and spark imagination. The minimal text makes it easy for children to follow along and even 'read' the story themselves, which is a wonderful way to build confidence and a love for reading.

Quick quotes

    There are just a few words in this clever and funny bedtime story.

    Observant children will enjoy exploring Peggy Rathmann's enchanting illustrations.

    It's a picture book but it delivers on so many levels that you can read it time and time again and still find something new.

Goodreads · 2025-12-22
engaging 4.20

The book is praised for its simplicity and engaging illustrations, making it a perfect bedtime story for young children. The minimal text allows for interactive storytelling, enhancing the reading experience.

This book is a favorite among parents and children alike, thanks to its charming illustrations and simple, repetitive text. The story is engaging and fun, with a lot of hidden details in the pictures that children can discover with each reading. It's a great way to bond with your child and encourage their imagination. The minimal text makes it easy for young children to follow along and even 'read' the story themselves, which is a wonderful way to build confidence and a love for reading.

Quick quotes

    A must-have board book for all babies.

    Beautifully simple text, thrilling funny story witj wonderful expressive illustrations.

    Great, bright, busy (but not chaotic) drawings, sweet animals, funny story (stories), and I love that it has almost no words, so you feel compelled to tell the story yourself.

Publishers Weekly · 2013-11-12
timeless 4.50

The book is noted for its simple yet sly art-driven plot that has been entertaining children for nearly two decades. It's a timeless classic that continues to captivate young readers.

This book has been a beloved bedtime story for nearly two decades, thanks to its simple yet sly art-driven plot. The illustrations are vibrant and full of details that children will love to explore. It's a timeless classic that continues to captivate young readers and spark their imagination. The minimal text makes it easy for children to follow along and even 'read' the story themselves, which is a wonderful way to build confidence and a love for reading.

Quick quotes

    Simple yet sly, the art-driven plot of Peggy Rathmann's Good Night, Gorilla has been entertaining children at bedtime for nearly two decades.

    The text suggests the strong bond built by this Afro-Latinx father and daughter with their ongoing project without needing to point it out explicitly, a light touch that is much appreciated.

    Perfect gift for new babies. A book that grows with them into toddlerhood.

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