Goodnight, Little Monster summary

Preparing for Bed

In Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman and Bonnie Leick, we meet a little monster who is getting ready for bed. The story starts with the little monster and his mother, who are preparing for bedtime. The little monster is not quite ready to sleep yet, so his mother takes him through his bedtime routine.

The little monster begins by howling at the moon, a unique bedtime ritual that he shares with his mother. This is followed by a bath, where he scrubs his scales and cleans his claws. His mother then helps him into his PJs, which are not the usual pajamas, but rather a pair of creepy, monster-themed sleepwear.

Bedtime Snack and Story

After getting ready for bed, the little monster gets a bedtime snack, which includes worm juice and baked beetle bread. This peculiar meal is a favorite of the little monster, and his mother happily prepares it for him. After finishing his snack, the little monster and his mother share a bedtime story. The little monster's favorite story is about a monster who is afraid of children, a delightful twist on the traditional monster-under-the-bed tale.

As they finish the story, the little monster starts to feel sleepy. His mother tucks him into bed and turns on his night-light, a glowing moon, to keep the darkness at bay. The little monster closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep, safe and sound in his bed.

Comforting and Fun

Throughout Goodnight, Little Monster, the little monster's bedtime routine is both comforting and fun. The story shows that even little monsters have bedtime routines and fears, just like human children. The routine and the presence of his mother provide the little monster with a sense of security and comfort, making his bedtime a pleasant experience.

Illustrated by Bonnie Leick, the story comes to life with soft, child-friendly watercolor images. The little monster and his mother are depicted in a warm and loving relationship, reinforcing the comforting nature of their bedtime routine. The illustrations also help to make the little monster less scary and more relatable to young readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Goodnight, Little Monster is a delightful bedtime story that offers a unique perspective on the bedtime routine. Through the experiences of a little monster and his mother, the story emphasizes the importance of comfort and security at bedtime, regardless of one's appearance or identity. It is a heartwarming and reassuring tale for children who might have their own bedtime fears, helping them to feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep.