Goodnight, Moon

            Goodnight, moon. Reading the picture book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is my first memory of interacting with the written word. Frankly, when it was first read to me, I did not listen to the words at all, I merely looked at the beautiful pictures and tried my hardest to keep my little eyes open. I remember getting into bed with my mom and being so eager to hear a story; it was a real treat. She worked in New York City a few days each week and because I missed her when she was away, I treasured and adored her full attention when she would read to me before bedtime. It was a special and greatly anticipated nighttime ritual.

            Each night when she asked me to pick a story I would often chose the same book, Goodnight Moon. I enjoyed the predictability of hearing the same story night after night. Knowing what was going to happen, I would sit back and close my eyes, glancing up every now and then to delight in the colorful pictures. Her reading and the peaceful sound of her voice would lull me to sleep.

            These first memories instilled in me an appreciation for literature. I learned that simply picking up a book and reading for pleasure can be both invigorating and internally balancing. As I got older, my mom would read me different genres: fables, fairytales, and even science books about the solar system. These early interactions taught me that reading has many benefits: it can be relaxing, educational,  help you share passions with others, and sometimes even put you to sleep. Many children begin their literary journey with picture books, and it is the simplest, best place to instill a lifelong love of reading.