Wonderful idea, brilliantly executed

Reviewed by TeacherAmy, 2008-08-27

How delighted I am to find that such a clever idea for a 'goodnight' book has been done with such excellence. Distilling the essence of an entire state--from iconic locations to traditions to language--is difficult to say the least, but the author and illustrator manage to do it with flying colors.

We just received our first two of these books yesterday, and I noticed that both follow a natural rhythm through the day as well as through the state. The pages begin with phrases such as "good morning, ____"; progress to "hello, ______" and "Greetings, _____"; and continue on through "good evening" and "good night". By the end of the book, the reader enjoys a true sense of the state as well as a relaxed, good-night frame of mind.

The illustrations are superb, including endless subtle details so characteristic of the state but without being overwhelming for young readers. The Virginia edition, for example, includes cardinals, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge as supporting details for the text.

"Good Night, Virginia" is superb! It covers the following: Chesapeake Bay; Virginia horse country; Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley; Jamestown; Colonial Williamsburg; Mount Vernon; Monticello; Virginia Beach; the Aquarium; aircraft carriers (Norfolk); Virginia ham!; Crooked Road; Assateague Island; the caverns; and the Cape Henry Lighthouses. One of the last pages shows either Richmond or perhaps Crystal City/Arlington and includes the beautiful text: "Shine bright, city lights/through the Old Dominion night". It makes ME want to curl up and sleep.

This series is outstanding for all children, as it celebrates different cities or regions and helps familiarize them with places beyond their own environments. It is an ideal way to discuss where extended family live or to prepare for a visit or move to another area.

My daughter, a military baby, will be moving to her third home (and third continent) this fall, all before her third birthday. I bought the Hawaii and Virginia books as a way to celebrate and say goodbye to our current home as well as to prepare and familiarize her a bit with the one we're heading to. With all the chaos and change, these books are a beautiful, gentle way to bridge the transition and make the journey a little more approachable for a young one.

Thanks, Mr. Gamble and Mr. Veno. Keep 'em coming!!!