
Both are bedtime books, both written and illustrated by the same people and both unique in their own way. What I like about both books are the rhymes and illustrations. The rhymes were very simple, easy enough for young readers follow along and even repeat after hearing them over and over again (as young reader tend to do). I love how the rhymes intertwined with the illustrations at times giving them a sort of rhythm. This brings me to the illustrations. I am always a fan of color, the brighter and more colorful the better. These illustrations were colorful, but more subtle than bright. What I love about them is the drawing feel. They look like they were drawn with crayons which are very familiar to young readers who at this stage use primarily crayon to draw pictures. They can relate to these images and feel as if it is something they can do one day.
My favorite of the two is Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site. I love how each “truck” is highlighted with a quick description of their role on a construction site. They’re all in rhyme and all end with the same phrase “Shh . . . goodnight, [truck], goodnight.” Even with a first read through, young readers and pick up this line quickly and say along with their parent when they get to that part in the book, thereby feeling involved in the story. I also like the words in parenthesis: sigh, yawn, crrrunch and so forth. At first, I didn’t get it, but then I realized that these words aren’t made to be said, they’re made to be acted out. They give the parent reader an indication of action to make the story come alive.
My nephew loves this book and now I can see why.
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