FICTION

I Just Want to Say Goodnight

by Rachel Isadora (text) & illus. by Rachel Isadora
Penguin/Nancy Paulsen. Sept. 2022. 32p. Board $17.99. ISBN 9780593462034.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K–In a village on the African plains, it is time for Lala to go to bed. However, the young girl begs her parents for extension after extension, using the excuse contained in the book’s title. In a series of bright, expressive spreads, she dutifully bids goodnight to the fish, the cat, the bird, the goat, the monkey, the chickens, the ants, and even a rock. The ritual complete, Lala is finally ready for bedtime. But wait! One more item beckons: a book, which eagle-eyed readers will recognize as the beloved classic Goodnight Moon—a clear influence on the gentle narrative.
VERDICT Parents and children may find their own protracted bedtime negotiations lovingly reflected in this worthy title.
Reviewed by Jonah Dragan , Oct 01, 2022

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