Goodnight, Everything
A slow bedtime story that says goodnight to one thing after another, and gets quieter as it goes.
A calm original bedtime story that says goodnight to things around the house and outside. Takes about four minutes to read, suits ages 2 to 5, and is designed to wind down rather than up.
The short version
- About four minutes, read slowly. Slower than feels right is the correct speed.
- Nothing happens on purpose — there is no plot to wake anybody up.
- Swap in things from your own house and window. It works better with real ones.
- Age
- Ages 2–5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Where
- Indoor
Goodnight, shoes by the door. You walked a long way today.
Goodnight, coat on the hook. You kept somebody warm.
Goodnight, cup on the table. You are empty now, and that is all right.
Goodnight, stairs. Nobody is going up you again tonight.
Goodnight, window. The dark is on the other side of you, and it does not mind waiting.
Goodnight, tree outside. Your leaves are still moving, very slowly, in a wind nobody can hear.
Goodnight, bird in the tree. Your head is under your wing.
Goodnight, cat on the wall. You are going somewhere, but not quickly.
Goodnight, street light. You will stay on all night, so nothing gets lost.
Goodnight, moon behind the cloud. We know you are there.
Goodnight, blanket. Goodnight, pillow. Goodnight, bear with one ear.
Goodnight, hands. Goodnight, feet. Goodnight, slow breathing in and slow breathing out.
Goodnight, you.
Goodnight, everything.