Genre

Children’s Literature

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Ages 1-5

Year Published

2023

Themes

Family, Kisses, Affection, Prayer, Jesus, Mary

 

Reviewed by

Theresa Frodin

When Kiss Me Goodnight arrived at my doorstep, my toddlers jumped about me, excited that I held a new book in my hands – one that they could also share. Honestly, it was the perfect impromptu excuse to bribe them to pick up their scattered toys. This they did with astonishing speed. 

We sat down together and admired the cover: Mary, slightly bent, is holding the child Jesus over a sleeping boy so that Jesus can give him a kiss. This image alone sold the book to me. If I could get it as a poster, I would hang it near my children’s beds. What a comforting picture to fall asleep to! A goodnight kiss from baby Jesus.

As we read through the pages, we were delighted with the bright and lively illustrations of a loving family, lavishing hugs and kisses on this little boy.  Each page showcases a different moment in his day. Affection is given to him or by him as he interacts with different family members: mom, dad, grandparents, and cousins. For instance, he was told to stop playing with the cat and give daddy a kiss goodbye before his father went to work.  Later, his mom asked him if he would like a chicken sandwich, a kiss sandwich or both, for lunch. Finally, when he is getting kissed goodnight, he tries to steal another last one.

The moments in this story provide a precious opportunity to shower affection on your own toddlers. Mine giggled in delight as I became a kiss monster and kissed them too. I asked them why they liked this story. One replied: “Because it is a kiss story!” They, in their typical fashion, begged me to read it again and again. This book, I didn’t mind rereading multiple times because of the ease of the story and the positive messages. When their father came home, they asked him to read it too. When he had finished, he also was bombarded by them wanting it to be read again. 

One of the moments in the book that I was impressed by was that the mother explains to her son that Jesus had many wounds, and with reverence we kiss Him where he was hurt. My kids wanted to find a crucifix and kiss His wounds too.

I recommend this book to Catholic families with toddlers. I was delighted by the joy that my own children experienced with each read. This has quickly become a favorite book. 

Best of 2019

Comic Books, Classic Literature and newly converted Catholic authors– 2019 brought some excellent changes to the literary tradition of our faith.

Best Books of 2018

2018 was a fantastic year for Catholic fiction! Check out our best picks of the year and let us know your favorites.

God Made the Moonlight by Erin Broestl, Illustrated by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

A beautifully illustrated bedtime story that helps your child see the beauty of nature as God’s personal love letter to humanity

Good Morning God by Ginger Swift, Illustrated by Pamela Barbieri

This baby book teaches gratitude for God though it’s interactive pages.

Best of 2023 Book Awards

Our favorite books that we reviewed in 2023. If you want Catholic literature but don’t know where to start this, (and previous award winners) is the list for you.

September Books to Pray With: For the Cry of the Earth

Let us pray that each of us listen with our hearts to the cry of the Earth and of the victims of
environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world
we inhabit.

Five Little Angels by Kathleen T. Pelley Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic

Children learn how to make angels dance with joy in this dreamy hand-painted bedtime story.

Mary, Mystical Rose By, J.T. Frodin

Why is Mary called the Mystical Rose? An interactive children’s book.

November Books To Pray With: For Anyone Who Has Lost a Child

A book list for those who are grieving, and those praying for them.

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

Sister Aloysius Gets Ready for the First Day of School By Linda Etchison Illustrated by Denise Plumlee-Tadlock

Sister Aloysius leans on the Divine Mercy of Jesus as she gets ready for school.

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

The Fruit Tree by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This children’s fable will teach the whole family Biblical literacy and the Christian symbolic language.

There Once Was a Penny by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This nursery rhyme teaches kids the value of faith and how it can help a person to love themselves according to standards not of this world.

The Eternal Spring By, Phillip MacArthur

A fairy tale about faith, hope, and the destruction they protect us from.

For the Pastoral Care of the Sick: July Books to Pray with Reading List

Use your recreational reading to foster an empathetic and Catholic imagination. A reading list to reflect on the sacrament of anointing of the sick, for them and their caregivers.

December Books to Pray With: Pilgrims of Hope

A Catholic book list focused on the theme of hope and sense of journey as we look toward the jubilee year of 2025. Use these entertaining fiction stories to deepen your prayer life and renew the virtue of hope.

The Rose and the Snake by Mark Restaino, Illustrated by J.P. Alcemendas

This thought-provoking children’s tale is tailor made to improve reading comprehension and teach a child where real self-worth comes from.

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Journey by Kimberly Novak

What’s a little caterpillar to do when a storm carries her away? Build your child’s relationship with God and prepare them for first communion.

Books to Deepen Your Lent

Whatever your needs or tastes these books explore the Lenten themes of repentance, confession and renewal.