Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd (yes, Aunties, the pseudonym is an intended pun) is a parody book based on the children’s classic Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This new children’s bedtime story is about as modern as they come: it tells the story of children who are addicted to the technology and connectivity surrounding them.  When the frustrated grandmother throws all of this technology out the window, the children settle down and let her read them Goodnight Moon by flashlight before drifting off into peaceful sleep.

Right on the heels of innovator Steve Jobs’ passing due to pancreatic cancer (October 5), this book is both a tribute to the amazing influence his ideas and products have had on modern society and a philosophical question about whether or not it is possible to be too connected. So, Aunties, consider turning off your nieces’ and nephews’ televisions, cell phones, game systems and the like at night and try reading Goodnight iPad to put them to sleep instead.

If Goodnight iPad doesn’t work, you could always try tuning in to Sprout on Monday nights at 8 p.m.  Eastern and Pacific times to watch their television bedtime story, Pajanimals. Full of songs and easy lessons kids can learn from, Pajanimals is a show that should definitely succeed in prepping your nieces and nephews for bed. However, with over-dramatic puppets, simple, language, and a short run-time per episode, it wouldn’t be surprising if Aunties fell asleep to Pajanimals first!

Between Goodnight iPad and Pajanimals, Aunties should have no problems getting their little nieces and nephews to not only agree to go to bed, but to enjoy the process as well.


Published: October 12, 2011