Fox, Mem. 2012. GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT. Ill. Judy Horacek.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Fox, Mem. 2012. GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT. Ill. Judy Horacek. New York, NY. Orchard Books. ISBN 978-0-545-53370-6. 

PLOT SUMMARY 

Bonny and Ben, two children were spending a Friday night with Doug their favorite babysitter. They enjoy the bed time nursery rhymes and they prolong their bedtime by asking for more and more. Listening to “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring,” “This Little Piggy,” “Pat-A-Cake" and more gave them the idea to continue asking for more.  Eventually, they all fall fast asleep.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

The characters of the story reflect the typical childhood experience of not wanting to go to sleep. Although no specific culture is reflected in this story, there is a great balance of the characters' interactions and their immersion in the nursery rhymes being told to them. The setting is representative of each nursery rhyme they are in and changes accordingly. The illustrations are simple and capture the essence of the nursery rhyme in each page. It is also nice to see how the characters from the nursery rhymes are collectively placed as they sit and wait to see if they can get another story out of their sitter. The colors are subtle and there is a great balance of illustrations to text. This story, originally from Australia, shares a great deal of nursery rhymes we are all familiar with in America too.  

The role of a male babysitter might not be one many people are used to, but this story does a great job of sharing this which may be relatable to many people. The story of Good Night, Sleep Tight, is not one representative of a specific culture, but overall has an appealing format. Following the children as they immerse themselves in the nursery rhyme gives the reader the opportunity to analyze the setting of each story they are in.  

REVIEWS/ AWARDS 

Booklist, 08/01/13 

Christian Library Journal, 09/01/14 

Horn Book Magazine, 07/01/13 

Kirkus Reviews starred, 06/01/13 

New York Times, 08/25/13 

Publishers Weekly, 05/20/13 

School Library Journal, 07/01/13 

Booklist (August 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 22)): “The Quentin Blake-style pictures alternate between simple, warm scenes of Doug and his charges and the amusing ink- and- watercolor pictures that illustrate the rhymes, sometimes quite intricately. A fun book that will remind parents to pass along the golden oldies.” 

Horn Book Magazine (July/August 2013): “This could be a bedtime favorite, with kids chanting right along.” 

Kirkus Reviews starred (June 1, 2013): “This engaging, economical framing text is memorable and sweetly appealing, sure to encourage little listeners to participate.” 

CONNECTIONS  

A great connection would be to have materials available for readers to paint themselves in pajamas and a character from the nursery rhymes presented in the story to create their own “Good Night Sleep Tight” portrait.  

Readers can dress in their pajamas and participate in the read along with their comfortable pajamas, pillow and blanket.  

Readers can recreate themselves in the setting of their favorite nursery rhyme from the story such as “draw themselves in the bakery for the pat-a-cake rhyme.”  

Buck, Nola. A CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT. ISBN 978-0—06-166491-5 

Yolen, Jane. WEE RHYMES: BABY’S FIRST POETRY BOOK. ISBN 978-1-41694-898-8 

Stockham, Jessica. BABY SITTER. ISBN 978-1-84643-279-8