We gave this board book to our son for his first birthday. He's a little young to fully enjoy the book. He usually flips through the pages faster than we can read them. But, our 3 year old daughter and 5 year old son both enjoy the story and I know he'll grow into it soon. My three year old relates to the book most, as we often encourage her to say goodbye or goodnight to the things around her as a means of helping ease the transition from one activity/location to the next.
In Goodnight Angels, a little boy says goodnight to being outside, goodnight to his toys, his snacks, his bath, his pets, and his parents before settling into bed. As he drifts off to sleep, he also says goodnight to God, thanking Him for the blessings in his life. Finally, he says goodnight to the angels who will watch over him as he sleeps.
The illustrations by Sophie Allsopp are warm and softly colorful. I love the details of a dog chewing on a slipper in the background, children's artwork posted on the kitchen wall, and toys scattered on the floor and kicked under the bed. Melody Carlson's text has a soothing rhythm and comforting repetition that young children will enjoy hearing as they settle down for the night. She has created another bedtime story to add to our shelf of family favorites. It doesn't quite compare to the classic and enduring nature of Goodnight Moon, but I like the Christian focus that Melody brings into Goodnight Angels.
You can find Goodnight Angels at your local Christian bookstore as well as Christianbook.com and Amazon.com. It is published by Zonderkidz in hardback, board book, and several e-book formats.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
April E.
