Parents have been recounting the tale of the great green room, a telephone, and red balloon for more than 60 years. It’s time to say Goodnight Moon, once and for all.

We asked Lisa Brown, local children’s book author and illustrator (Vampire Boy’s Good Night), to help us with bedtime stories penned locally. Here are her picks.

Good Night Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann
The tale of a pickpocket primate, a clueless zoo guard, and the animals who follow him home. Brown gives the book’s visual treats high marks.

Just in Case, by Yuyi Morales
A bilingual alphabet book, in English and Spanish, gloriously illustrated in fine Day of the Dead style.

10,000 Dresses, by Marcus Ewert and Rex Ray
Bailey dreams about magical frocks, but the world tells him dresses are for girls. It all changes when he meets a new friend.

The Retired Kid, by Jon Agee
Brian has had it with elementary school, so he heads to the Happy Sunset Retirement Community, where he enjoys the good life. Or does he?

The Sea Serpent and Me, by Dashka Slater
This legend of friendship begins when a sea monster drops out of the bathtub faucet. A quirky tale of growing up and letting go brings a tear.

	Round out your library list with ten more books both kids and parents will love.

LEARN
Nighty Nite, Sleep Tight
What: Counselor Amy Weiss coaches parents on getting little bed bugs to sleep.
Why: When they shut their eyes, you can, too.
When: Wed., 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Parents Place, 1710 Scott St. (415-359-2454). Cost is $30.

SPEAK
Spazio Italiano Piccoli
What: An Italian playgroup (stories, puppets, art) for bambinos from 9 months to 3 years.
Why: Viva Italia!
When: Every Fri., 10-11 a.m.
Where: Seesaw, 600a Octavia St. (415-553-8070). Cost is $160 for five sessions.

SEE
Lunar New Year & Flower Market
What: A free Chinese New Year celebration complete with lion dancing and art activities.
Why: It’s the year of the hare — so hop to it!
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: San Francisco County Fair Building, 9th Ave., at Lincoln Way (415-412-3230).

Photo: sean dreilinger / Flickr