Goodnight, Veggies
What’s inside...
Goodnight, Veggies is a children's book by Diana Murray, illustrated by Zachariah OHora. It features a community garden where various vegetables like tired tomatoes, cuddly cauliflowers, and droopy peas unwind and prepare for sleep as night falls. The narrative offers soothing rhymes and charming illustrations, creating a calming bedtime atmosphere. This book emphasizes the importance of rest and celebrates the transition from day to night, making it an ideal bedtime read for young children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the vegetables dream about at night?
Why is it important for the veggies to get a good night's sleep?
How do the different vegetables in the garden help each other?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better before bedtime?
If you could say goodnight to a vegetable, which one would you pick and what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s imagination by asking them to invent bedtime stories for their favorite veggies. Emphasize the importance of rest, drawing parallels between the sleeping vegetables and the child’s own bedtime routine. Highlight the community aspects depicted in the book by discussing how everyone, even vegetables, needs support from friends and family. Use expressive and soothing tones to mimic the calming effect of saying goodnight, making the reading experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Rest
Explanation: In 'Goodnight, Veggies', various vegetables are depicted winding down and preparing for bedtime, emphasizing the necessity of rest.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of having a proper bedtime routine to ensure they're well-rested for the next day’s activities.
Example Lesson: Acknowledging Daily Rhythms
Explanation: The story shows each vegetable settling down at dusk, teaching children about the daily cycle from active daytime to tranquil nighttime.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and respect the natural daily rhythm and why certain activities are suited for specific times of the day.
Example Lesson: Diversity in Nature
Explanation: The book features a variety of vegetables, each with unique characteristics, promoting the diversity found in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences both in nature and among people they interact with daily.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Community
Explanation: All the vegetables in the garden are depicted as part of a community that goes to sleep together, highlighting the theme of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by working together and supporting one another in family or school settings.