Review: Goodnight Moon 123: A Counting Book by Margaret Wise Brown

A Counting Book by Margaret Wise Brown (with pictures by Clement Hurd) is an excellently written bed time story for children from the ages of two to six. It incorporates many of the same ideals from the classical Goodnight Moon book which was also created to entertain readers after a tiring day of learning and playing. The book begins by painting a detailed description of the “green room” from the original story. It then lists the many animals, people, and objects inside of the massive room.

With colorful illustrations and short sentences, this is a great book for children to begin their learning experience at a young age. It teaches them not only how to read and count, but also how to laugh and enjoy learning. Your child will love this soothing lullaby as he or she searches for more and more objects to say good night to. “Good night cow. Good night stars. Good night moon.” Will fill your home with the soft voices of you and your child.

Clement Hurd went above and beyond with his gentle images of stars, night sky, and that great big moon that we all know so well. He thoughtfully blends together the colors of the surrounding background, while giving each object its own personal independence. Your child will appreciate the delicate appearance and thought that was put into this book and every picture.

The book itself is arranged in a simple format that would allow even the most inexperienced reader to grasp the information within. At the top corner of each page is a number of the objects on that page. There is then a large image of the objects, whether it be bowls of mush or stars in the sky. Underneath the picture, a word spells out what the object is.

Goodnight Moon 123: A Counting Book will teach your children how to read while providing them with an exciting journey of cat chases to find everyday objects, and not so common objects, to say good night to.

These books stimulate, teach, and relax your child at the same time, and a book with such fun who would not enjoy taking a few minutes out of their busy life to share it with their child.

Be sure to look at Margaret Wise Brown’s many other adventurous stories the next time you lay your little one down for a nap. Now tuck in, sweet dreams, and good night. I have began developing a routine with my child thanks to this book.