Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

Title: Good Night, Gorilla

Author/Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann

Reading Level: Baby - Preschool

Board Book: 34 Pages

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Some of the best picture books for the very young readers are actually wordless books. With captivating illustrations and an engaging story, this nighty-night book squarely falls into that category. As you can see, the intriguing book cover alone is good enough to pique the curiosity of the little readers out there. Do you think the little gorilla is up to any good? Come on, let's find out. "Good Night, Gorilla!" says the tired zookeeper, as he begins his nightly stroll around the zoo. He was oblivious that the tricky gorilla had already procured his keys when he turned his back. The zookeeper, stealthily followed by the gorilla, bids good night to all the animals in the zoo and proceeds to go home. Little did he know that the gorilla had released the cages of all the animals and now a little parade of animals follow his trail all the way home. He tucks himself in bed, but so do all the sleepy animals!! When the zoo keeper's wife bids him goodnight, she hears not just one, but seven good nights in return. Now, its her turn to take them all back to where they belong.

The author relies heavily on the illustrations to depict her story. But, it also gives an opportunity for the parents to make up their own. It has been a favorite night time book for my little one, ever since I started reading it to her. She loves the gorilla's pranks, who wouldn't? In fact, she likes it better than the "Good night, moon" book. Her favorite pages in the book includes the one with the black inky spread which reveals the shocked wide-open eyes of the zoo keeper's wife and the page with just the voice balloons saying "good night". Even after many readings of this book, she never gets tired of this book (or her favorite pages). I slightly alter the story or add some new elements to it each time, just to bring some novelty to the book. This is one terrific bedtime story you would love to read with your child :)

My Rating: 5/5