By: Peggy Rathmann Publisher: Putnam Juvenile Average Rating: Binding: Board book Label: Putnam Juvenile Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 34 Publication Date: February 21, 1996 Reading Level: Baby-Preschool
Product Description: A zookeeper finds his normal nighttime routine upset when a mischievous little gorilla steals his keys and lets all his animal charges out of their cages, in a board book edition of the popular picture book.
Amazon.com Review: "Good night, Gorilla," says the weary watchman as he walks by the gorilla cage on his nightly rounds at the zoo. The gorilla answers by quietly pickpocketing the guard's keys, stealthily trailing him, and unlocking the cages of every animal the oblivious fellow bids goodnight to. Looking much like an exhausted father, the uniformed guard traipses home toward his cottage, while the lonely zoo animals softly parade behind him. The animals manage to slip into his bedroom and nestle unnoticed near his sleepy wife--until the bold little gorilla goes so far as to snuggle up beside her as she turns out the light. Author and illustrator Peggy Rathmann (creator of the Caldecott-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria) relies more on the nuances of her jewel-toned pictures than on words to pace this giggly bedtime story, making it perfect for observant preschoolers. In one inky-black spread, Rathmann lets only the shocked, wide-open eyes of the guard's wife tell us that the gorilla has been detected! Tiny details such as the faithful, banana-toting mouse and sky-bound pink balloon that appear in each picture keep this book fresh, magical, and fun--even after countless bedtime readings. (Baby to preschool) --Gail Hudson
A gentle and gorgeous bedtime book My 18-month-old loves to look at this this book over and over again. ("Gwa!") But I don't mind at all... "Good Night, Gorilla" is one of my favorites.
The pictures tell the story in this book; there are only a handful of words. I love the stunningly vivid and detailed illustrations. There are little surprises everywhere you look -- a stuffed Babar doll in the elephant's cage; a family picture of the zookeeper's wife holding the baby gorilla. When I read it to my son, I tell him something different every time. He loves to point out the things he knows the words for: "Keys!" "Moon!" "Abido!" (otherwise known as an "armadillo").
Even though I know what's coming, I can't help but smile every time at the animals quietly following the keeper through the zoo, tiptoeing through his living room, curling up in his bedroom, and then finally following the zookeeper's wife back to the zoo. (You get the feeling it isn't the first time she's had to do this.)
This is a beautiful and peaceful bedtime story. I hope you like it as much as we do!
Fun and funny A wonderful story. Classic kids' book. They love the art work! A terrific little book for kids. A goodbook before 10 minutes tlll Bed Time. It's sturdy.
Better Than Goodnight Moon Opposed to other reviews, my personal opinion is that Good Night Gorilla is better than Goodnight Moon (although both are great bedtime stories). Funny and filled with great illustrations, Good Night Gorilla is a charming reader. My sons just love it. Another bedtime story I'd recommend and they love is Ladybug Baby Bug, by Janice and Mark Perkins.
Wonderful! My 14-month old son runs to the bookshelf, grabs this book, and thrusts it in our direction to read to him over and over again - he just can't get enough of it! My husband and I have each read it to him dozens of times and happily we aren't bored of it either; the illustrations are excellent, and the story is creative and funny. I highly recommend this book.
Avoid this A very poor book compared to "Goodnight Moon". Just mooching off the the "good night" kiddie book market.
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