Charlie Can't Sleep!

Based on author Rachel Joy Welcher’s experiences, this gentle, compassionate picture book assures children (and adults) that God never leaves them so they don’t need to be anxious. As a child, Welcher was afraid of the dark and, when she woke up in the night, her fears overwhelmed her. When her parents read Psalm 121 to her, she understood that God never sleeps. That assurance was transformative and helped Welcher to discover the comfort of praying to God in the night and telling him about her scary feelings.

Young Charlie loves the morning sounds in his house---the creak of the stairs as Dad walks downstairs to the kitchen, the whirring of Mom’s hairdryer, and the whispery sound of voices on the television. But at night creaking, whirring, and whispery noises fill Charlie with dread. Questions disturb his mind: “What if it was a robber? What if the house was going to cave in? What if werewolves were real?”

One night Charlie finds numerous excuses to avoid bedtime. But once he’s finally in bed, he can’t help himself. Fear overwhelms him and he begins to sob in terror. When Mom and Dad come to him, they console him with affection and spiritual comfort, reading Psalm 121 and teaching Charlie that God never sleeps. Charlie realizes that he is never alone and doesn’t need to be afraid; he can talk to God about anything at any time.

In an author’s note, Welcher suggests questions parents and caregivers can ask children: “How do you feel about going to bed tonight, knowing that God never sleeps? What could you pray for the next time you wake up at night, feeling afraid, worried, or alone?”

Illustrator Breezy Brookshire’s warm, tender pictures portray the caring, supportive home in which Charlie can freely express his emotions and experience his parents’ devotion and the unconditional love of God.

(IVP Kids)