Why Do We Say Good Night? – Champ Thornton & Rommel Ruiz

Why Do We Say Good Night
Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton, Rommel Ruiz
Also by this author: You Count: A Five-Senses Countdown to Calm
Published by New Growth Press on October 2019
Genres: Children's
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four-half-stars

Going to bed and turning out the light can be a hard time for many children. Award-winning author Champ Thornton wrote this beautifully designed and illustrated book to help parents comfort their children with three truths about God. As a mother and her little daughter talk, they remember together that God made the night, he sees in the dark, and he watches over them just like a shepherd protects his sheep. Children and parents will want to start a new nighttime tradition of reading together about why we can say that the night is good.

In this important, engaging children's book, parents can bring comfort and encouragement to their children, reminding them Jesus is near.

Reading a good book is a nice way to settle in after a long day, relax, and transition into a good night’s rest. No wonder then, that bedtime is a popular time for parents to read to their children. And no wonder further that there are any number of books meant to help children make this transition—a transition that’s all too often resisted.

At the heart of Why Do We Say Good Night? is an explanation of why night is good. The child in the story does not like the night. It means not being able see, of being separated from her parents, of being done with all the fun things of the day. Mom reminds her that God created night, as well as day, and that God is a good shepherd who can take care of all his people—even through the night. We do not need to fear the darkness because we have the Light of the World.

The story is told in a four-line abcb rhythm, an alternating conversation between mother and child. The structure is simple, pleasant, and great for little ears to learn and remember. The word choice is appropriate for a young audience—all easy and common words. Champ Thornton does well knowing his audience and giving them a story that fits their age.

Rommel Ruiz shines with his illustrations, providing detailed tapestries that young readers can explore. From the bright colors of light to the muted tones of night, Why Do We Say Good Night? is visually stunning.

The perfect goodnight book for your children—though be warned, instead of putting my little one to sleep, he made me read it again and again until I was the one tired.

four-half-stars