Goodnight, My Duckling
on Goodreads (171)
What’s inside...
As a mother duck leads her ducklings home for bedtime, one duckling falls behind, distracted by the other pond creatures. Fortunately, a kind turtle helps the lost duckling reunite with his family. This charming board book, illustrated by Nancy Tafuri, captures the tender feelings and joyful wonder of childhood. Now in board! Award-winning author/illustrator Nancy Tafuri's charming bedtime companion to her classic Caldecott Honor winner HAVE YOU SEEN MY DUCKLING? Now, a board edition of the charming book praised as 'a worthy companion to HAVE YOU SEEN MY DUCKLING?' by Kirkus (starred review). It's bedtime on the pond, and one dawdling duckling falls behind, drawn to the pond creatures who call, 'Goodnight, little duckling!' as he paddles by. Soon, Mama and the other ducklings are all out of sight, but a kindhearted turtle is waiting to carry the little duckling back to Mama's nest. Nancy Tafuri's beautifully detailed watercolors and spare text once again capture the tender feelings and joyful wonder of childhood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the duckling felt when it was time to say goodnight?
What are some ways the mother duck helped her ducklings get ready for bed?
Why is it important for everyone to have a bedtime routine?
Can you describe how the setting changes from daytime to nighttime in the story?
What would you say to the duckling if you could talk to it at the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and calm tone when discussing the book to mimic the soothing nature of a bedtime routine. Emphasize the caring actions of the mother duck to highlight themes of comfort and security. Encourage your child to relate the ducklings’ bedtime routine to their own by asking them about their favorite bedtime rituals or what makes them feel safe at night. After reading, consider extending the story by asking your child to draw a picture of another scene that could happen at the duck pond at night.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of routines
Explanation: In 'Goodnight, My Duckling', the mother duck guides her duckling through their evening routine, preparing for bedtime. This includes saying goodnight to various creatures and settling down as the night comes.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own bedtime routines, understanding the importance of winding down and following steps to prepare for a good night's sleep.
Example Lesson: Relationship and bonding
Explanation: The story showcases a nurturing relationship between the mother duck and her duckling, emphasizing care and affection as they interact with their surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of close relationships and how caring for each other is important in daily life. It might encourage them to show affection and nurture their relationships with parents and siblings.
Example Lesson: Observation and discovery
Explanation: As the duckling says goodnight to different animals, it learns about its environment, promoting curiosity and awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe their surroundings more closely and learn about different elements of their environment, helping to enhance their curiosity and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Sense of safety and security
Explanation: The consistent presence of the mother duck throughout the book provides a sense of security to the duckling at every step.
Real-World Application: This can help children feel secure and protected when they have a consistent caregiver presence, promoting feelings of safety especially during nightly routines.