What are some traditions your family has for New Year's Eve?

This is a discussion prompt for Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year by Frank Modell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever tried to stay up really late for something exciting? What happened?

This is a discussion prompt for Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year by Frank Modell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think Marvin and Milton will do when they wake up on New Year's Day?

This is a discussion prompt for Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year by Frank Modell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year

Name: Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year
ISBN: 9780688039387

by Frank Modell

Marvin and Milton plan a big New Year's Eve party, but when they sleep through the countdown, they find a new way to celebrate in the morning.

About This Book

Marvin and Milton want to celebrate the coming of the new year but fall asleep before midnight.

Concepts

Friendship & Loyalty Joy & Gratitude Resilience & Perseverance Curiosity & Wonder Growing Up Friendship & Social Holidays & Seasonal

Wonderlit Review

Frank Modell's "Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year" is a charming and gentle story that perfectly captures the excitement and eventual exhaustion of New Year's Eve for young children. The book follows two friends, Marvin and Milton, as they attempt to stay awake until midnight to celebrate the coming of the new year. Their earnest efforts and inevitable sleepy mishaps provide a quiet, situational humor that is highly relatable for both children and parents. The story handles the theme of anticipation and the simple joy of a holiday without any complex or sensitive topics, making it a straightforward and comforting read. The emotional arc is one of gentle humor and warmth, starting with eager anticipation and ending with a sweet, sleepy resolution. This book is ideal for children aged 4-8, particularly those who are looking forward to New Year's Eve or who enjoy stories about friendship and everyday adventures. A parent might reach for this book in the days leading up to New Year's to build excitement or as a calming bedtime story on the night itself. There are no scenes requiring preview; it's a wholly innocent and delightful tale. Younger children will enjoy the simple plot and the visual humor of the friends trying to stay awake, while older children might appreciate the subtle humor and relatability of the experience. Its enduring charm lies in its simplicity and its focus on a universal childhood experience, setting it apart from more elaborate holiday narratives.