Goodnight, Forest
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
Goodnight, Forest is a captivating tale that follows the nocturnal adventures of a group of forest animals as they prepare for bedtime. The story weaves through the lush forest landscape, introducing young readers to the beauty of nature and the various creatures that call it home. This delightful board book by the author/artist of Goodnight, Seahorse teaches children about hibernating animals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the forest at night, and why?
How do you think the animals feel when they settle down for the night?
If you could say goodnight to any animal from the book, which one would it be and what would you say?
Why do you think it’s important for the forest to have a quiet night?
Can you imagine what the forest sounds like at night? What sounds would you hear?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the illustrations and describe what they see. It helps them connect visuals with words.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story before turning the page, fostering their imagination and predictive skills.
Relate the story to your child’s bedtime routine, which can make the concept more familiar and comforting.
After reading, spend a moment discussing the night environments, drawing parallels to peaceful nighttime routines at home.
Use a calm and soothing voice to mirror the gentle tone of the book, making the reading experience cozy and reassuring for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: In 'Goodnight, Forest', the story showcases the serene beauty of the forest and the creatures that inhabit it, teaching children to appreciate and care for natural environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in outdoor activities, being mindful of their surroundings, and participating in conservation efforts, such as planting trees or cleaning up local parks.
Example Lesson: Importance of routine
Explanation: The story follows a consistent bedtime routine for all the creatures in the forest, emphasizing the importance of a structured and predictable end to the day.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the value of having a regular bedtime routine, which can help children wind down and prepare for sleep, promoting better sleep habits and overall health.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As various forest animals interact in 'Goodnight, Forest', the book highlights acts of kindness and understanding between different species, encouraging empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can emulate this behavior by showing kindness to peers and animals, understanding differences, and fostering positive interactions in their community.
Example Lesson: Observation skills
Explanation: The detailed illustrations encourage readers to observe the little elements of the forest environment, fostering attention to detail and discovery.
Real-World Application: Kids can enhance their observation skills by exploring their environments, whether at home, in school, or during nature walks, helping them to notice and appreciate small details.
Example Lesson: The beauty of quiet moments
Explanation: The calm, soothing narrative of the book highlights the peacefulness of the forest at night, teaching the value of quiet moments.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate moments of solitude and quiet in their daily lives, which can be beneficial for mental wellness and creativity.