Books for Dialogic Reading: Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon

This classic is on everyone's bookshelf, sometimes more than once. We think it's a good book for dialogic reading because the drawings are simple but have delicate and interesting details. We have seen children spend several minutes talking about a single page. For example, one page has mittens, socks, a fire, a cow jumping over the moon, a bunny in bed, three bears, a clock, a phone, a lamp, a balloon, a comb, a brush, a bowl of mush and the moon. The setting (bedtime) and the objects are good conversation starters. This book is available in Spanish.

After you see what interests your child...

Comment and wait:

I think it's time for the bunny to go to bed.
The kittens are playing on the rug.
It must be nighttime. I see stars and the moon.

Ask questions and wait:

What is this cow doing?
What is the bunny doing?
Do you think the bunny is sleepy?

Respond by adding more:

Child says: There's the fire!
Adult responds: Yes there's a fire. I think it's keeping the bunnies warm.
Child says: Tiny mouse!
Adult responds: The tiny mouse is hiding.
Child says: The kittens are playing.
Adult responds: The kittens are playing with the yarn.

Tell us about your favorite books. Why does this book get children talking? What do children talk about when they look at the book? mmaddox@walearning.com