Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle, 2011) is a typical “goodnight goodnight” book in format, but spectacular in illustration. The text reminded me of many other goodnight books, such as Goodnight Moon, but it has its own unique setting. Each construction truck is introduced with its daily tasks, and then it settles down to sleep.
The detailed pencil illustrations give the trucks personality and life, such as holding teddy bears and snoring. The construction site rests well as the sun goes down, and the book sets the perfect tone for “bedtime” for the busy kid who loves trucks and constructing things. My four-year-old son really enjoyed finding the fun details in the human-like construction trucks, as well as the ultimate “shh! it’s bedtime” feeling as we came to the end of the story.
