I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the bright colorful pictures and the story. The only reason I checked that I wouldn't recommend it in readers' advisory is because the library doesn't usually purchase Christian books.

This book is so great for addressing night time fears. The Lord made night and even if we cannot see well, he is there!
The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. It’s a very engaging and helpful book for those with little ones who are afraid of the dark.

A sweet little bedtime story that focuses on God as the main protector from the dark night time world. As someone who grew up Christian but doesn't practice anymore, this book had a bit too much religion in it for me; but if that is how you are raising your child then this is a solid bedtime choice.
As many children that are raised Christian or other religions where God exists do prayers before bed and ask God to look over people, animals, etc. This book feels like the perfect pairing to those prayers. Or could perhaps be in place of prayer if your child is too little to do so. Specifically it ends on a high note that God is always all around watching us; the dark doesn't stop him. It's a lovely comfort read and I could see children who are afraid of the dark settling because they know God is watching.
Overall, any child whom is attending church and services is likely to love this comforting and beautifully illustrated book by Champ Thornton.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the author via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review. (less)

Beautiful book to help little ones who are afraid of the dark. Incredible illustrations! The colors are beautiful in the book.

Delightful and practical bedtime story with amazing illustrations.

Why Do We Say Good Night? is a short, adorable story with simple, perfect rhyme and brilliant, creative, colorful illustrations. Nighttime is scary for many children. This book tackles the issue by assuring children that God made night, so the night is good. God is always there and protecting us through the night.

The story flows easily and quickly. The illustrations show (masterfully) how common objects and shadows can transform into scary things in the dark. For parents who might be concerned the illustrations could scare children more, the cover illustration can be used as an example of what to expect.

I loved 'Why Do We Say Good Night?' on every level. Great job by author, illustrator, and publisher.

Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.

Good Night Dear One, you need not fear
Good Night, Sleep well, the Lord is near.

It can be difficult to put a little one to bed and difficult for a parent to see their little one struggle with fear. This delightful book is colorful as mother and daughter go thru the steps of turning off the lights and saying Good night. What is there to be afraid of? And why we can sleep knowing all is well.

A book to read together and face those fears! Highly Recommend.

A Special Thank You to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book with my daughters. They both gave the book 4 stars, independently and I have to agree with them. This is a sweet book about not needing to fear the dark because God is watching over us and can see in the dark as though it is bright as day. The illustrations are vivid and appealing. The words are easy to understand and my 4 year old understands and can apply it. This book has a fairly broad appeal as both 7 and 4 year olds enjoyed the book.

The little girl in this story questions her mother about why she always says "good night" since she views night as bad and scary. The mother then explains why night is actually good because God knows everything that is in the night and is always watching over you.

I absolutely loved this book. It is so perfect to read with your child at nighttime to help them not be afraid of the dark or what may be in the dark. Not only that, but also encouraging them to trust and rely on Jesus with their fears. I could see reading this book so many times with a young one and constantly referring back to it.

The illustrations are amazing! I am so impressed by how colorful the pictures of darker and scarier things were while still maintaining more of a dark atmosphere. (Not dark and creepy in a bad, too much for kids way. Just enough to represent the child's imagination about what may be lurking in the nighttime darkness.)

This is a lovely little story and I loved the images.
It gives children the strength and belief needed to get through a night in their own bedrooms if they are scared on the dark. I liked how the book was written with the rhyming nature and it gets the point over very well - 5 stars from me for this one!!

If your little one is struggling at night when going to bed and is afraid of the dark then this book is a perfect one to share. The rhyming text is wonderful and easy to read and remember.



A little girl feels frightened when her mom says good night to her and turns out the light. She asks her mother why she says goodnight and then leaves her alone in the dark. The mother lovingly explains to her sweet daughter that she is never alone. She shares with her that God made both the day and the night so he is always present in both the light and the dark. The mother goes on to say that God can see in the dark and he is akin to a kind shepherd who watches over and protects his sheep. Those comforting words enter into the little girl's heart and she is able to banish her fears and settle in for a "good" night's sleep knowing that God is with her.


The illustrations are vibrant, colourful and mesmerizing having a magical flair. They are full of detail and expression which capture the mind and hearts of little ones who are afraid to close their eyes to go to sleep. They are both empowering and engaging. Together with the inspiring message of the text they give reassurance that our omnipotent, Heavenly Father is as near as your next breath. I highly recommend this book.

This is a sweet bedtime story for children that are afraid of the dark. It has beautiful illustrations and a great message. It has a religious component and says that the Lord can see throughout the night and he protects us.

This was a great story for before bedtime. The simple reminders of how God is there for us and watches over us while we sleep.

Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Champ Thornton offers young readers and their parents a beautifully truthful story that may help them work through a fear of darkness/being alone.

I love well written and illustrated children’s books. And when those books also carry a message about trusting in Jesus, that makes them even better. This short story is wonderfully done, both in its writing and it’s illustrations. I loved the easy reading through rhyme that quietly teaches that Jesus never leaves us alone and we don’t have to be afraid of what we cannot see clearly in the darkness. Profound truth is wrapped in simplistic words that will help children talk about their own fears. It was really neat how the book showed the little girl’s fears in the illustrations. The fictional monsters she imagined from the shapes in her room and outside her window were well done and I loved how they grew in size/prominence and then shrunk away as she talked with her mom about God being near. The shapes and colors used will certainly hold a child’s interest and prod their imagination. I will for sure be recommending this book to others and looking to purchase my own copy for my shelves. It will definitely spark discussion for parents and their children about not being afraid and why.

I received a temporary, complimentary copy of this E-book from New Growth Press via NetGalley in order to provide a review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I love this book! The illustrations, the rhythm and rhyme, the message—perfection! A great read aloud bedtime book for all ages.

This book is so sweet! The artwork is lovely and the message is clear, even for little ones: God made the night (dark) and He watches over us as we sleep; therefore there is nothing to fear. My kids love this book and all the colorful imagery. I imagine it will become a crucial part of our regular bedtime routine, especially as my two eldest children (4yo and 2yo) are both afraid of the dark. I would love to see more from this author and illustrator!

The illustrations were really magical and brought the story to life! I love the concept of the story and it would be a good read for a little one who is afraid of the dark.

Some of the best illustrations I've seen in a children's book. A nice story to accompany it, although myself and my family are not religious, it is still a very nice book.

Why Do We Say Good Night? is a wonderful Children's book. The vibrant pictures are great to capture any little ones attention. It is just a delightful little story.
Five Stars

If your littles don’t care for the dark, Why Do We Say Good Night? is an excellent reminder that, even when we cannot see Him, God is with us.

Whimsical and colorful illustrations and short, rhyming phrases are sure to capture children’s attention and imagination as the promise of God’s presence is reaffirmed throughout this endearing little storybook.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

In Why Do We Say Good Night, Champ Thornton gives us a story of a young child scared of the dark. Using a wonderful rhythm, Thornton takes us to that night when a mom guides her child to seeing Jesus as the reason we say good night and that he can squash our fears.
I feel as if this book does not go overboard with scariness, but is a good reminder and a neat way to help our children learn to conquer the fears of the dark.