“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.”
– Victor Hugo
Of course, Mr. Hugo was correct in that assessment. For what could be better than a mother’s arms wrapped around their child?
Well, your child might have some other ideas, just ask any three-year-old and they will tell you–nighttime is not complete without a story. That all-necessary, end of the day moment, when your child is ready to enter the world of slumber, but not before that one last savory bite of imagination. Could there be a better way to send them off to that wonderful places of dreams then with Margaret Wise Brown’s popular book, “Goodnight Moon”?
Not in our home, this story was as essential to bedtime as a favorite stuffed animal or a cozy blanket.
My particular favorite is the hardback copy of this iconic piece of childhood, as my children and I have read it so often, the pages have become slippery over the years, their tiny fingers carefully turning those cardboard pages over and smiling in delight at each charming picture.
Ms. Brown’s lyrical words will undoubtedly, lull and pacify even the most fussiest of children. Watch as your child’s eyes, begin to fall heavy as you whisper your own, hush.
What happens to a child who ‘reads’ with their parent each night? Why, an entire world of creativity comes to life! And rituals such as a story in bed become an integral part of their childhood, one they will no doubt want to carry on to their own children.