Goodnight, Bruce (Mother Bruce Series) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Goodnight, Bruce (Mother Bruce Series)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2026

91%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Bruce is the patron saint of exhausted parents everywhere, trying to herd geese and mice into bed while they're busy eating ice cream and watching monster movies.

Goodnight, Bruce (Mother Bruce Series)

book

2026

91%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Bruce is the patron saint of exhausted parents everywhere, trying to herd geese and mice into bed while they're busy eating ice cream and watching monster movies.

4.2

Jump to

Also rated on

4.2

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Ryan Higgins has done it again. Goodnight, Bruce is a winner because it doesn't pretend that bedtime is a magical, peaceful transition—it's a hostage negotiation with geese and mice.

The art is fantastic, the pacing is snappy, and the 'Mother Bruce' brand of reluctant parenting is as relatable as ever. It’s one of those rare books that stays in the 'favorites' pile because it’s genuinely funny for both the person reading and the kid listening. If you’re looking for a bedtime book that isn't cloyingly sweet, this is it.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 2 to 7. Toddlers will love the silly animals and bright colors, while older kids will actually get the sarcasm and the 'Bruce-is-done-with-this' energy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It captures the messy, chaotic, but ultimately loving reality of a non-traditional family. Bruce is the 'grumpy' caregiver who clearly cares, providing a refreshing break from overly-preachy parental figures in kids' media.

Imaginative

Ryan Higgins' illustrations are top-tier, filled with clever visual gags like mice building model airplanes or geese 'keeping up their correspondence.' It encourages kids to find humor in the mundane.

Safe

100

Zero safety concerns. Even the 'monster movies' mentioned in the synopsis are presented in a silly, age-appropriate context typical of the series' humor.

Enriching

Great for emotional intelligence. It helps kids see the 'other side' of the bedtime struggle (the tired parent) through humor rather than a lecture. Excellent for building vocabulary and visual literacy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The dry, sarcastic humor actually makes it fun for parents to read aloud (for the 50th time).
Visual storytelling is dense and funny, with tiny background details that reward observant kids.
Models a non-traditional family dynamic where 'Mother' is a grumpy, reluctant, but dedicated bear.
Validates the universal bedtime struggle without being moralistic or annoying.

⚠

What to Watch For

Bruce's signature grumpiness is a bit—don't worry, he's not actually mean, just very, very tired.
Your kids might get some new ideas for bedtime stalling tactics, like 'checking their mail.'

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Bruce is so tired compared to the mice and geese?"
"Which of the mice's bedtime activities looked the most fun to you?"
"How do you think Bruce feels when everyone finally goes to sleep?"
"If you were Bruce, what would you do to get those geese into bed?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic