One-line Summary:

A mischievous gorilla follows the zookeeper as he goes to bed, letting all the other animals out of their cages in this delightful children’s book.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann is a charming and whimsical children’s book that takes readers on a hilarious adventure through the zoo at night. The story begins with the zookeeper saying goodnight to all the animals, unaware that a mischievous gorilla has taken his keys and is following him as he goes to bed. As the zookeeper says goodnight to the gorilla, the clever primate quietly unlocks the cages of all the other animals, leading to a parade of animals following the zookeeper back to his house.

The Zookeeper’s Bedtime Routine:

The book opens with the zookeeper bidding goodnight to each animal in the zoo, from the elephant to the lion. The illustrations beautifully capture the expressions of the animals as they respond to the zookeeper’s goodnight wishes. The repetition of the phrase “Good night, [animal name]” creates a soothing rhythm that young readers will enjoy.

The Mischievous Gorilla:

Unbeknownst to the zookeeper, the gorilla has managed to snatch the keys from his belt and quietly follows him as he heads home. The gorilla’s mischievous nature is evident as he tiptoes behind the zookeeper, unlocking the cages of the other animals one by one. The illustrations cleverly show the gorilla’s sly actions, adding an element of suspense and humor to the story.

A Parade of Animals:

As the zookeeper settles into bed, he is blissfully unaware of the animals that have followed him. However, his wife, who is awake and observant, notices the growing number of animals in their bedroom. The illustrations depict the chaos and surprise as the animals find their way into the couple’s bed, creating a comical scene that will surely bring laughter to young readers.

The book concludes with the zookeeper’s wife leading the parade of animals back to the zoo, with the gorilla returning the keys to their rightful place. The zookeeper, still unaware of the nighttime escapade, says goodnight to the gorilla once again, bringing the story full circle.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of observation: The zookeeper’s wife is the only one who notices the animals sneaking into their bedroom, highlighting the importance of being observant in daily life.
• The joy of imagination: Good Night, Gorilla sparks children’s imaginations as they envision the animals roaming freely at night.
• The value of mischief: While the gorilla’s actions may be mischievous, they ultimately lead to a fun and memorable adventure for both the animals and the readers.

“Good night, Gorilla,” said the zookeeper. But the gorilla only yawned.

Good Night, Gorilla is a delightful bedtime story that combines humor, imagination, and the joy of animals. With its simple yet engaging narrative and captivating illustrations, this book is sure to become a favorite among young readers. It teaches important lessons about observation, imagination, and the unexpected adventures that can unfold when we least expect them. So, snuggle up with your little ones and embark on a whimsical journey through the zoo at night with Good Night, Gorilla.