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. 

Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic

How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.

August Books To Pray With: For Political Leaders

A book list to fuel your prayers for the world’s political leaders and grow your Catholic empathetic imagination.

My Name is Philomena By Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O. Praem

Who was St. Philomena, daughter of light?

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.

Molly McBride and the Plaid Jumper by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

Molly doesn’t want to take off her purple habit the Children of Mary sisters wear but mom’s says she has to put on the school uniform.

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.

October Books to Pray With: For a Shared Mission

A list of books exploring the theme of solidarity between clergy and laity.

The Light of Christmas Morning by Susan Joy Bellavance, Illustrated by Anne Kissanne Engelhart

A cozy Christmas bed time story that puts Catholic traditions front and center

 

For Those Fleeing Their Country: June Books to Pray With Series

A reading list to reflect on the plight of migrants and refugees. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

Books to Deepen Your Lent

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

Christmas Books to Curl up With

Get into the Advent spirit with stories that entertain and don’t water down the holiday.

Extraordinary! by Jacqueline Brown, Illustrated by Katie Anne Ennis

Make your child feel secure and loved by God and their Catholic family.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom By, J.T. Frodin

A child’s journey with Mary to discover why her heart is pierced.

Jesus Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This delightful picture book lets young readers imagine the daily life of the Christ Child while also teaching simple prayers.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

Molly McBride and the Party Invitation by Jean Schoonover-Egolf 

This children’s book teaches compassion for bullies and the courage to act rightly regardless of others.

Books to Pray With: April, For the Role of Women

A book list with prayerful reflection on the gift of women in the church. Pray and read along with us and the Pope’s monthly reflections for 2024.

The 1st Catholic Reads Readers Choice Award

The list of books that won by popular vote for 2024, with a Honorary Mention section for notable past year’s books.

Freedom & Responsibility in “Citizen of the Galaxy” by Robert Heinlein

One of the masters of science fiction delivers a story exploring the limits of freedom and the ongoing battle against fallen human nature.