Goodnight, Country
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Dinner bells ring, screen doors swing. Bats squeak, porch swings creak. Shh, it's evening in the country. This colorful picture book brings the sounds, sights and rhythms of country evenings to life. Its catchy text and vibrant pictures are perfect for very young children as well as for children beginning to read on their own.
Age
0-12
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the countryside that was said goodnight to in the book? Why did you like it?
How do you think the animals in the book feel when it's nighttime? Can you imagine what they might be dreaming about?
Why is it important to say goodnight to everything? How does it make you feel when we say goodnight together?
If you could add another part of the countryside to say goodnight to in the book, what would it be and why?
How do the illustrations help you feel sleepy and calm? Which colors did you notice the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their own bedtime routine and compare it with the book's narrative.
Use a calm and soothing voice while discussing the book to mirror its bedtime theme, setting a quiet and comfortable environment conducive to bedtime.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on aspects of the countryside they found most appealing. Discuss their drawing to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
After reading, consider going on a 'goodnight walk' where you both bid goodnight to objects and elements around your home or neighborhood, just like in the book.
Link emotions to the story by asking how certain parts of the book made them feel and share your feelings too, to strengthen empathetic communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Routine
Explanation: In 'Goodnight, Country,' the story follows a soothing bedtime routine that helps the young protagonist settle down for the night. This routine includes various calming activities like saying goodnight to their surroundings and beloved pets.
Real-World Application: Implementing a consistent bedtime routine helps children wind down and prepare for sleep, which is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Example Lesson: Connection with Nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, there is an emphasis on the connection with rural life and the natural world, as the protagonist says goodnight to elements like the meadows, farm animals, and the quiet pond.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect nature. This can foster a lifelong love for the environment and encourage responsible behaviors towards it.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The act of saying 'goodnight' to everything in the country setting instills a sense of gratitude in the protagonist for the day and the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to express thanks daily can promote positive thinking and mindfulness from an early age.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The story hints at a shared bedtime routine involving family members, highlighting the security and comfort of familial support at the day's end.
Real-World Application: Reading this book together can enhance the parent-child bond and establish a shared experience filled with warmth and love.