Goodnight, Seahorse
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
A soothing bedtime story featuring a little seahorse saying goodnight to all of its underwater friends. As the seahorse meets each creature, children learn about the different types of marine life and their habitats, until finally, the seahorse settles down to sleep.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
22 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the seahorse dreams about after saying goodnight?
Why do you think the seahorse says goodnight to each sea creature?
How do you think the other sea creatures feel when the seahorse says goodnight?
If you were a sea creature, who would you say goodnight to first?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle voice when discussing the book to mirror the soothing tone of saying goodnight.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the different sea creatures and discuss their unique characteristics.
Ask your child how they say goodnight and whom they say it to, connecting the story to their personal evening routine.
After reading, have your child draw their favorite sea creature from the book to reinforce recall and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of a bedtime routine
Explanation: The book illustrates a seahorse preparing for bed which subtly emphasizes the importance of a consistent bedtime routine.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by establishing and following their own bedtime routines, helping them understand the significance of a good night's sleep.
Example Lesson: Kindness and friendship
Explanation: As the seahorse says goodnight to various sea creatures, it showcases acts of kindness and the value of checking in on friends.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be considerate and build relationships by interacting kindly with their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: The seahorse's journey through the ocean introduces a variety of marine life, sparking curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn more about the world around them, whether it’s nature or any new environment.
Example Lesson: Recognition and appreciation of nature
Explanation: The detailed illustrations of underwater life in the book help children recognize and appreciate the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take an interest in ecology and conservation from a young age.
Example Lesson: Calming techniques
Explanation: The soothing narrative and gentle goodnights can teach children how to calm themselves down before bed.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar techniques to manage emotions and calm down in various situations, enhancing their emotional regulation skills.