Good night, laila tov
What’s inside...
A family trip turns into an adventure of discovery for a curious and carefree sister and brother. While the two explore the natural wonders of the seashore, woods, and fields, their parents plant trees as an offering of thanks for all they have received. In Jewish tradition, this is called tikkun olam, or repairing the world. As the children settle down to sleep, they are lulled by the soothing sounds around them that become the refrain: 'good night, laila tov', the same comforting words in English and Hebrew that their parents recite to them every night at bedtime. Laurel Snyder's lilting poem is both a song of praise to the beauty of nature and a gentle lullaby. Jui Ishida's rich, jewel-tone illustrations illuminate the text and incorporate details that readers will love to discover.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Laila and her family enjoyed the most about their trip?
How do you feel when you say goodnight to something you love, like Laila does in the book?
Why do you think it's important for Laila's family to explore and have adventures together?
How can we make our bedtime routine special like Laila’s?
What are some things you would pack for a trip like Laila's and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts about the story first, and then expand the conversation with the key questions.
Use a soft, soothing tone when discussing bedtime routines to make the connection to their own experiences.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Laila and her family, reinforcing the themes of exploration and family bonding.
Highlight the illustrations as you read, asking your child what they notice and how it adds to the story.
After discussing, consider planning a small family adventure, even if it's just around the neighborhood, to deepen the connection with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: The story illustrates a family's camping trip, emphasizing the shared experiences and bonding moments as they explore nature together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of spending quality time with family, fostering closeness and creating cherished memories.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, the family’s interaction with various natural settings cultivates a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, promoting outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: At the end of their day, the characters reflect on their experiences and express gratitude for the day’s adventures.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be thankful for the little moments and joys of everyday life, cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The family faces various unexpected situations during their camping trip and adapts to each new challenge.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of being flexible and adaptable in different situations, a valuable skill in all areas of life.