Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales

Movie review by C. Connor, Common Sense Media
Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 2+

A watch-and-grow-sleepy experience.

NR 2000 26 minutes
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Parents say

age 2+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 2+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this kids over 6 are too old to appreciate the songs, yet not old enough to appreciate the choice of singers. Parents should also note that studies indicate television right before bedtime can stimulate kids' brains, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep.

Community Reviews

LaurenceBB
LaurenceBB Adult
December 23, 2022
age 3+

This title has:

Educational value
Carol S.
Carol S. Adult
February 23, 2018
age 2+

Our favorite

Each evening at 5, my year old grandson and I watch this video. He is enchanted by the children. He doesn’t watch much tv and will sit rapt through the entire program. He loves watching the children the most. He knows the book too and loves seeing it come alive. This is NOT a scary video. The music is lovely and it seems to get better each time we watch it. My daughter and I are in love with the children who we realize are adults now. Susan Sarandon does a lovely job with the title story and so do the other singers and readers. I highly recommend this video.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Following an animated opening featuring Tony Bennett, the picture-book Goodnight Moon -- a favorite with children for generations -- takes flight in a poetic and beautifully rendered retelling. Here night is depicted as a time and place of comfort. Along with much clever animation throughout, Billy Crystal reads "There's a Nightmare in My Closet," Natalie Cole brings Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach" to life, Patti LaBelle tackles "Twinkle, Twinkle," and Lauryn Hill gives a hip-hop-influenced rendition of "Hush Little Baby." Aaron Neville performs "Brahm's Lullaby" to the animated accompaniment of various animals hitting the sack. Animated musical segments are interspersed with short live-action pieces. Here kids share insights into various aspects of the world of sleep. James and his sister Chloe address whether James, who is blind, is able to see in his dreams. Junior Native Americans build dreamcatchers.

Is It Any Good?

GOODNIGHT MOON is a comforting multicultural stroll with the Sandman through the realm of sleep. The video, tenuously linked to the ever-popular children's book Goodnight Moon, features gorgeous animation, cute and funny real-kid segments, and rich musical offerings from the likes of Aaron Neville and Patti LaBelle. Parents may find themselves watching the video for the celebrity performances even after the wee ones are tucked away.

A lot of the bedtime bases get covered here, from nightmares to blankies. And while a lot of the musical segments might be somewhat frivolous, the interviews with real kids deal with important issues. The segment with a blind boy and his sister is particularly affecting, addressing disability without being in the least condescending.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the bedtime themes covered in the songs and stories, such as blankies, dreams, and nightmares.

Movie Details

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