Goodnight, Good Dog
What’s inside...
It’s time to say goodnight. But what if a dog isn’t sleepy? Intimate and accessible, this young dog story captures how a reluctant pup warms to bedtime in a way that children will recognize immediately--and find as reassuring as their own beds.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Good Dog
Discussion points
What do you think the dog dreams about when it goes to sleep?
Why do you think the dog didn't want to go to sleep at first?
How does the house look at night compared to the daytime?
What are some things you do before you go to bed to get ready for a good night's sleep?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about your bedtime routine to make the child feel more connected.
Encourage the child to describe their feelings about bedtime, whether they find it exciting or a bit scary, and discuss how the dog in the story might have felt.
Ask the child to imagine and describe other scenarios the dog might dream about, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the story’s themes.
After reading, suggest drawing a picture of the dog's dream or their favorite part of the story, which can lead to further discussion and deeper understanding of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of bedtime
Explanation: The story centers around a dog who reflects on the day's events and slowly settles down for the night, showing the routine of bedtime.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own bedtime routines, helping them understand the importance of winding down and getting ready for sleep.
Example Lesson: Importance of reflection and self-soothing
Explanation: The dog in the story soothes itself by remembering the comforting aspects of the day and the promise of a new day.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think positively about their day and to comfort themselves with good memories, aiding emotional regulation.
Example Lesson: Value of consistency
Explanation: The book emphasizes the dog’s daily bedtime routine, showing how consistency helps the dog feel secure and ready to rest.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining consistent routines to feel secure and manage expectations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of ending each day
Explanation: The dog accepts that the day has ended and embraces the peace of night, understanding the cycle of day and night.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to accept the end of day activities and look forward to the opportunities a new day brings.