Dreaming in Two Languages: A Review of Goodnight Moon/Buenas Noches, Luna
Ah, bedtime. That magical time of day that brings both quiet moments and tiny chaos as my kids settle down. Just the other night, after a day filled with splashes at the park and a messy kitchen, I found myself wrestling three tiny bodies into their pajamas while repeating my favorite phrase: "It’s time for stories!" That’s when I reached for our copy of Goodnight Moon/Buenas Noches, Luna, a delightful bilingual adaptation of the timeless classic by Margaret Wise Brown. This book has become a nighttime favorite in our home, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint.
In Goodnight Moon, we follow a little bunny as he bids goodnight to everything around him—from the moon to the gentle old lady whispering "hush." This bilingual edition enriches the experience by seamlessly weaving English and Spanish together, making it a perfect choice for families like ours who are eager to introduce new words and concepts. My toddlers may not yet know the difference between "moon" and "luna," but they love repeating the words after me, their little mouths forming the unfamiliar sounds with delightful concentration.
The illustrations by Clement Hurd are as enchanting as ever, with their soft colors and calming images, perfectly setting the stage for our bedtime rituals. My youngest, only a toddler, squeals with delight every time we reach the page featuring "the red bug" in the green room. It sparks a conversation about what bugs do at night and how they, too, need to sleep—a small genius moment of curiosity that I relish.
Reading Goodnight Moon/Buenas Noches, Luna brings us together in a way that is heartwarming. My older child often takes the lead, flipping through the pages while pointing out our favorite objects—a bowl of mush, a kitten—even adding her funny interpretations and silly names for them in Spanish. Last week, she gleefully declared a "bowl of mush" “mush de la abuela” (grandma’s mush), and we all dissolved into giggles. It feels precious to laugh and spark creativity together at the end of the day.
For us, this book is not just another bedtime tale; it’s a gentle reminder to take a moment to appreciate the simple things around us, no matter the language. Each night, we feel a little more connected, both as a family and to the world beyond our homes.
I wholeheartedly recommend Goodnight Moon/Buenas Noches, Luna for families with kids aged 0 to 3, especially those who have an appreciation for bilingual stories. It’s a wonderful book for those who seek to introduce their children to a second language or simply want to enjoy the rhythmic, soothing text alongside the magic of bedtime. This isn’t merely a one-time read; with its rich illustrations and familiar charm, it’s destined to become a well-loved staple on your nightstand, just like it has in ours.
As a mom, I know how fleeting these moments can be. This book not only captures the imagination of my children but also wraps around my heart, reminding me to embrace the chaos and laughter of our bedtime stories together.
Snuggle up with Goodnight Moon/Buenas noches, Luna for a cozy bedtime story in two languages! >>
