Simon Says Good Night
on Goodreads (138)
What’s inside...
The book follows the story of a young child named Simon who embarks on a whimsical adventure at bedtime. As Simon says good night to the world around him, he encounters various characters and situations that lead him through a journey of imagination and wonder. After being tucked into bed, Simon and his favorite toys play a game of 'Simon Says.' The nighttime comes alive as imaginations run free and Simon issues commands to his toy friends. However, they must make sure he actually said 'Simon says,' or else it’s their turn to sleep. One by one, Simon's toys cozy up for sleep until it's Simon's turn. This charming and playful bedtime story explores the wonders of imagination and the fun of playing games before sleep.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Simon wants to say good night to everything?
What are some things you like to do before bedtime?
How do you think Simon feels when he's going to sleep?
If you could say good night to anything in the world, what would it be and why?
What are some ways we can make bedtime fun and calming?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and soothing voice when discussing the book’s themes to make the bedtime transition smoother.
Encourage your child to express their own bedtime routines and relate them to Simon’s actions in the story.
Discuss the importance of a good night's sleep and how it helps us grow and stay healthy, linking it to Simon's nighttime routine.
After reading, encourage your child to say goodnight to their own favorite objects or toys, making the experience interactive.
Ask your child to imagine and describe a new character that Simon could say good night to, fostering creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of routines
Explanation: In 'Simon Says Good Night', the character Simon follows a consistent bedtime routine that helps him prepare for sleep.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of establishing and maintaining daily routines to help them manage their time and responsibilities effectively.
Example Lesson: Listening and following instructions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Simon listens to his parent’s instructions for bedtime, showcasing the benefit of paying attention and following guidance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to listen attentively and follow directions both at home and in school, which can enhance their learning experiences and personal development.
Example Lesson: The significance of a good night's sleep
Explanation: Simon’s story emphasizes how getting adequate sleep contributes to a better morning and a more productive day.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the impact of proper rest on their overall health and mood, encouraging them to prioritize sleep.
Example Lesson: Expressing and acknowledging feelings
Explanation: In the book, Simon expresses how he feels as he gets ready for bed, and his parent acknowledges his feelings which makes him feel understood and cared for.
Real-World Application: It's important for children to learn how to express their emotions and understand the value of empathy and emotional validation in everyday interactions.