Good Night
by Natalia Padilla
ReadersMagnet


"We are with my family, and the love my mother has of my father and me. I told them of my Good Night Dream."

Mary is a young girl who sleeps soundly at night, her body resting after a long day of playing and activity. As she sleeps, her brain works overtime, concocting a wild and colorful dream that entertains and delights her. In it, she is surrounded by loved ones and adventure, her family watching as she goes and meets musical friends, living words, and spiraling cloud structures reaching high up into the sky. Not getting lost inside the beauty and wonder of her dream, Mary knows that the most important thing is that she continues to rest in order for her to have the energy to go out and play and have fun the next day. After all, a trip to the dream world is always just another good night's sleep away.

Vibrant and funky, this short bedtime story is playful and bouncing, exhibiting an energy usually not reserved for the time to wind down. However, the enthusiasm and exuberance it has for the joy of rest may give young readers the urge to join Mary on her adventures rather than stay up and play when they need to be getting sleep. Each page has fun, rhyming text, wild and unexpected imagery, and accompanying illustrations that are eye-catching and just as joyful as the story itself. Entertainment is the central theme of this interlude. The tale doesn't offer a message, moral, or lesson of any kind other than that slumber can be just as exciting as staying up all night. Parents will surely know the value of looking forward to a good night of shuteye, and this book may help children quickly pick up the message as well.

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