Goodnight Goon: a Petrifying Parody

Author/illustrator Michael Rex offers a monstrous parody of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's bedtime classic, Goodnight Moon, in this fun rhyming romp. As a little werewolf prepares to go to bed in his tomb, a green goon climbs in the window and begins destroying all of the things to which he (the werewolf) had been about to say goodnight. Eventually, the werewolf must put the goon in his place, and all ends peacefully...

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody is only the second title I have picked up from Michael Rex, following upon his witchy picture-book, Brooms Are for Flying, and it is one that I found enjoyable, even if it isn't destined to become a favorite. I appreciated the parallel of rhythm and theme, to the classic bedtime show more book from Brown, and I think young listeners will be amused by the monstrous hi-jinks. Although no mention is made of Halloween, this would be an excellent bedtime book for that time of year, I think. show less

"In the cold gray tomb
There was a gravestone
And a black lagoon
And a picture of --

Martians taking over the moon ..."

Fans of Margaret Wise Brown's classic, Goodnight Moon, should love this adorable spoof. Just in time for Halloween! Rex has the rhythm down perfectly! Colorful and cute!

Michael Rex was treading on dangerous territory messing with a classic (Goodnight moon); but he has created a spooky, fun parody! Works great around Halloween, or anytime you're in the mood for a little lighthearted scare. Couple it with [book: Bedtime at the Swamp] for a howling good time.

Summary
The classic goodnight moon is taken to new—and devious!—heights (/lows)! The poem we’ve all heard is ground up and filtered through the lense of Vincent Price in Thriller, as mummies dance and werewolves howl, and all the while one particularly titular goon runs around causing trouble!

Personal Opine
I’ve never cared for Goodnight Moon-- I was way beyond the target audience by the time I’d first heard of it—so seeing it turned on its head in a classic “gross out” style made me smile. The colors and illustrations are vibrant, and the rhyming works and is sure to bring a smile.

Classroom Extension Ideas
1. Read both books back to back—talk to the kids about the nature of parody.
2. Have the kids come up with show more “monster” versions of their favorite stories/poems/movies. show less

Cute and clever. Not quite as charming as the original, but a quality parody. (The book cover calls it a "petrifying parody".) I did like looking at the pictures a bit more than the original. The pictures are of all sorts of scary creatures or objects, but they all look friendly. Tis a good children's book and a good Halloween book.

I love this book for many, many reasons. The illustrations are phenomenal. The illustrations have so much in them that children can add onto the story, make predictions, and easily follow along. The writing and language styles follow the classic pattern of "Goodnight Moon." It is a fun, engaging book for children who love all things creepy and crawly.

Summery- This is a parody of the book “Goodnight Moon” Changing the tone of the story, giving it a more Halloween type feel for children. Using a rhyme scheme and ghoulish aspects making for delightful bedtime story with a fun twist.

My thoughts- I am one for a good parody, I found this to be more enjoyable than “Goodnight Moon”. It’s childishly ghoulish renditions puts it on my list of books I’d read to my future children (If I ever have any) on their way to sleep.

1. a compare and contrast activity with goodnight moon.
2. collectively as a class, create our own version with guided practice.