Aura Parker, Goodnight, Glow Worms, Puffin, May 2025, 30 pp., RRP $14.99 (board), ISBN 9781761354915
Parents across the globe would be all too familiar with the bedtime rituals of babies and toddlers, and the myriad ways they can think of to delay the inevitable. Goodnight, Glow Worms is a fun bedtime read that may induce slumber or may inspire new bedtime avoidance techniques!
It’s ‘lights out’ for five little glow worms as they ready for bed and after some rigmarole and final goodnight kisses, they nod off. That is, all except one – the yellow glow worm who is sleep-resistant and employs the well-worn trick of a lost comforter.
The short, rhythmic narrative is lovely to read aloud, with succinct sentences and a consistent tempo. The illustrations are often full of activity and details. Using both traditional and digital techniques, the busy scenes are beautifully calmed and softened by water-coloured backgrounds.
This title was released in 2020 as a hardback picture book, and now reprinted as a sturdy board book, perfect for little hands.
Reviewed by Bronwyn Joseph
