Good Night, Gorilla
on Goodreads (51,005)
What’s inside...
This roomy trim size is perfect for sharing with groups and lap sitters, and will stand up to years of repeat readings. It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep, or so it seems. The story follows a mischievous, key-holding furry guy sneaking around behind the zookeeper's back, leading to a humorous good-night romp. The new generous trim size makes this toddler's favorite book even easier to share, featuring a warm, funny author's note and clever new details hidden in the illustrations. Good Night, Gorilla is an ideal gift for new babies and fans of all ages, and it is a classic must-have for baby bedtimes and gifting opportunities.
Age
1-3
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gorilla
The Zookeeper'S Wife
Zookeeper
Discussion points
Why do you think the gorilla took the zookeeper's keys?
How do you think the animals felt when they followed the zookeeper home?
What would you do if you were the zookeeper and found the animals in your house?
How do the illustrations help tell the story without many words?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe different animals in the book and their characteristics.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story.
Help your child connect emotions with the facial expressions and actions of the characters.
Discuss the importance of responsibility, like why the zookeeper has keys and what they are used for.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The clever gorilla in 'Good Night, Gorilla' silently liberates other zoo animals, demonstrating resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems in everyday scenarios, such as figuring out ways to organize their toys or navigating social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the gorilla ingeniously helps his fellow animals escape, it showcases empathy, highlighting the importance of considering the needs and feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be aware of the feelings and perspectives of others, which is essential in building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, the zookeeper’s reactions to the animals in his bedroom stress the importance of understanding the consequences of one’s actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the outcomes of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsibility and foresight in their daily decisions.
Example Lesson: Silent Storytelling
Explanation: The minimal text in 'Good Night, Gorilla' pushes children to infer the narrative through pictures alone, enhancing interpretive skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pick up visual cues and develop their narrative abilities, which are critical in understanding non-verbal communication and expressing themselves through art and other visual mediums.