(cool) reads: goodnight, goodnight construction site

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a book that becomes an instant favorite. The book that topped all others this Christmas? Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.

The premise is pretty simple: it's the end of the day, and all of the construction trucks put themselves to bed one-by-one. First the crane, then the cement mixer, then the dump truck, then the bulldozer, and finally the excavator. We learn about how each truck spends the day and gets ready for bed. Then we (because your kiddo WILL join in for this one) whisper: "shhhhh..... goodnight {insert truck name}, goodnight."

What I love most about this book -- and sometimes a pet peeve of mine when it comes to other children's literature -- is that the rhyme scheme flows effortlessly, lulls like a lullaby and doesn't seem forced. It's gentle, rolling, perfect for bedtime, sleepy tots and tired parents whose brains needs to calm down. After saying goodnight to all of the trucks, your mini-me will be ready to say goodnight to you, too.

Not sure why this became an instant Bug classic. It could be because she was anxious to learn more about what happened at the construction site her dad works at all day. Maybe it's because of the fantastic, whimsical illustrations (check them out on Scribd).  Or maybe the pace of the book, which does several "excitement on the job site to drowsy calm" cycles mirrors exactly how the Bug feels at bedtime when she's fighting closing her eyes and shooting them wide-open, exclaiming "Mommy, I'm not sweepy." Who knows? She got this book from her aunt two days ago and we've read it about 20 times. It's a definite hit.

Digging around a little on the internet, I was excited to find out the author is working on another bedtime-friendly book, Steam Train, Dream Train. Lichtenfeld is illustrating again. Very (cool).

Not surprisingly, Duskey Rinker wrote the book for her two energetic sons (one that loves bugs and magic and another who adores trains and trucks). Hampton Roads wrote: "for all those youngsters who feel coziest with a cement mixer jammed into an armpit and a dump truck wedged at their feet, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site might be the best bedtime book ever."

But our twirly-whirly girl loves it, too. So will yours.

(cool) tip: Another bedtime book we love? The Sleepy Little Alphabet.