Wakeful observation
The first mode of narration is teaching the reader that wakefulness is the same as observation. By paying attention to the items in the room, the reader finds a deeper appreciation for the room. This helps the reader to be a fast learner, so reading this book with children can help teach them how to be curious about everyday items that they might otherwise take for granted.
Salutation
Through salutation, the book explains respect. The items in the room are not there for mistreatment or abuse, but rather, the reader can learn to be friendly with all its environment. By saying "Goodnight!" the reader can participate in a friendly relationship to items around, but also to aspects of their environment that they don't understand, like a cow jumping over the moon.
The moon
The moon is a symbol that gives comfort in the book. Why should a child go to sleep without fear? Because it is guarded. The moon's constant shining is a symbol for that guardianship, so that the child can sleep without feeling that they are in danger. The light from the moon is a sign that they are not in trouble just because it is dark; just as the dark sky above has a moon to watch over it, so also the darkness of their sleep is watched over.
The cow jumping
The cow jumping over the moon is a symbol to the reader that not everything in life makes sense; sometimes absurd things happen, things one might never expect, but the cow jumping over the moon is not a threat! It is just a happening. Therefore, the child can learn to appreciate the new information they learn without having an aversion to new things that they don't understand. Most new things are not dangerous, suggests the book.
Sleep
Although the book doesn't attempt to explain what sleep is, sleep is clearly a symbol in the book for itself. A child must sleep, and some kids are resistant to that, because after all, it's sort of hard to explain or understand what sleep is or why humans have to do it, but by accepting sleep as a universal part of life, a child can learn to have an appreciative relationship toward sleep. Sleep is shown to be quite luxurious and enjoyable, because it is!
