Cozying Up with "Goodnight, Good Dog/Buenas noches, perrito bueno": A Heartfelt Review
As a mom navigating the delightful chaos of bedtime routines, I often find myself in a tug-of-war with my little ones. Just last week, as I prepared for our usual reading ritual, my son, with all the energy of a puppy, declared, "I’m not tired, I want to play!" That’s when I reached for Goodnight, Good Dog/Buenas noches, perrito bueno by Mary Lyn Ray—a beautifully crafted bilingual board book that weaves comforting stories with the playful antics of a restless pup.
This charming tale invites readers to say goodnight to a good dog who is anything but ready for bed. The little pup, filled with curiosity about the world around him, goes through a delightful list of things he wants to do and see before surrendering to sleep. It captures the essence of a child’s imagination perfectly—the struggle between the wondrous world of play and the gentle call of sleep. My daughter, captivated by the bright illustrations and gentle rhythm of the text, couldn’t help but giggle at the dog’s antics.
The illustrations are truly a feast for the eyes—colorful, engaging, and just the right touch of whimsy that sparks imagination. They held my children’s attention through the entire reading, with my son pointing excitedly at the dreamy visuals of the nighttime scenes. The writing style is simple yet lyrical, making it perfect for a read-aloud session. The alternating colors for the English and Spanish text made it easy for me to switch back and forth, allowing my children to absorb both languages effortlessly.
One moment that brought a smile to our faces was when the dog thinks about all the sounds that come alive at night. “What’s that noise?” my daughter asked, her eyes wide with wonder. This led us into a fun conversation about night sounds, inspiring her to listen harder—a little lesson tucked neatly between the pages.
The book seems to provide a soft, reassuring message that it’s okay to leave the day behind, as the pup eventually finds comfort in its dreams. A favorite line of ours was when the sweet dog finally closes its eyes, reminding us all that rest is as important as play.
I’d recommend Goodnight, Good Dog to parents of toddlers and preschoolers, particularly those looking to introduce a second language to their budding readers. It’s a perfect fit for curious minds who enjoy a little playful mischief before bed. For our family, this has transformed from a one-time read into a beloved staple on our bedtime bookshelf. The laughter, curiosity, and the gentle nudge towards sleep make it a heartwarming addition to our nightly routine.
In a busy world, finding a moment of calm can be challenging, but this delightful book reminds us that even the nightly chaos can end in cozy cuddles and sweet dreams. If you’re looking for a book that envelops you and your children in warmth, I suggest you give this lovely bilingual gem a try. You might just find it touching your heart as much as it has touched ours. Happy reading!
