I ran across Before I Dream Bible Storybook at the library a few weeks ago. It’s written by Karyn Henley who wrote the Beginner’s Bible many moons ago. I’m assuming it was the first of it’s kind and was translated into like 17 languages and became a world-wide best-seller. Karyn now has all kinds of Bibles, curriculum and music for kids. Seriously, the amount of resources on her website is astounding!
I picked this book up because of the byline, “60 stories to bring God’s comfort at bedtime”. Isn’t that lovely? As a mama to an often-timid, sometimes scared little girl, this is exactly the kind of storybook we need! The stories are very short–maybe two pages with sweet illustrations. There isn’t anything really spectacular about the stories–simple retellings in peaceful prose. However, what’s really cool is the stories she chose!
The titles alone show me the care she took in choosing each one–“No Roars Tonight” for Daniel, “The King Who Could Not Sleep” for Esther, “Spending the Night on the Mountain” for Jesus praying and teaching others to pray, “Sun and Moon Stand Still” for Joshua and Gibeon and “Who Brings Out the Stars” for Job. Do you see the connection? Every story has to to with sleep or the sun, moon and stars! In fact, as I was reading it, I thought, “Goodness! Look how many stories in the Bible are about sleeping or happen when someone is sleeping!”
I think this would be a sweet book for a preschooler to early elementary child. I like the idea of using this book as a tool and weapon for those kiddos who are having a hard time going to sleep at night. What a great reminder that God is always with us–every hour of the day! I also think it leads easily into getting in the habit of before-bed devotions.
And oh! I just saw on Amazon it comes with a CD of music, too! It looks like it’s out of print but there are lots of used ones for sale–as cheap as a 3 cents!
What’s your kids’ bedtime routine?
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Tricia Goyer says
Thanks for the tip. I bought it! I love your blog, Amanda!
Tricia Goyer says
Oh, as for our routine. A time for play. Then pjs, toothbrushing, etc. Following by bedtime stories, Bible stories, prayer, hugs and kiss. Then my husband sits in the room with them until they fall asleep.
Catie says
I’ve been loving this series. 🙂 I’ve wanted to comment on so many posts (we love the Jesus Storybook Bible and Arch books among others), but it’s difficult to comment when reading your blog on my Kindle which I’m using a lot these days. My Kindle is much more convenient to use however, when I’m nursing my baby. 😉
This book is looks AWESOME. Both of my girls have gone through being scared phases. My 3 yr old is right now actually and this book sounds wonderful! Definitely putting it on my wishlist.
Aprille @beautifulinhistime.com says
Ooh this looks so sweet and calming. I have another one that sounds similar called “My Sleep-Tight Bible Stories” (Zonderkidz) I hadn’t pulled it off off the shelf in ages so thanks for the reminder!
We have a pretty typical routine. Dinner, bath/shower, pjays, brush teeth, books, bed. We don’t read books every night, but I’d say we do most nights. And then one or two nights a week instead of just putting him to bed I rock him and we sing songs together. (he’s three and LOVES to sing)
We are loving the Jesus Storybook Bible that I got at Allume!
Lindsey Whitney says
How appropriate — we are talking about the Sun, Moon, and Stars this week as part of our preschool Creation series — this would be perfect. I wonder if our library has it.
samantha says
I love all your Story….but I need help to enforce the word of God into my children’s mind wht do I do…..they are 9..6…3
oh amanda says
I think the best thing to do is help your kids memorize God’s Word. Then they can recall—and you can help them recall when they need it. For example, we know Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” and use it all the time. 🙂 Similar verses about all different things that we deal with every day help us keep God’s Word on our lips and in our everyday life.
Does that help?
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