Bedtime Sh'ma: Good Night Book

A lovely way to help a child go to sleep and to help a Jewish child learn a most important prayer.

The beautiful artwork and simple language of this unique book for very young Jewish children provides families with a satisfying bedtime ritual with which to end the day. Sarah Gershman has adapted the collection of psalms, poems and prayers of the Kriat Sh'ma al HaMitah, into child-friendly verses that focus on themes of protection and preparing for sleep. Short prayers of a few sentences are written in large print with lots of appealing white space and accompanied by a peaceful bedtime scene. For example, these few words are spread over three pages: "My child, may you lay down gently to sleep. And may God's peace spread over you. May God who watched over those who were here long ago, watch over you. May God bless you and keep you safe. May God give you light when it is dark. May God help you grow and be happy." The accompanying serene and lovely artwork by Kristina Swarner, in hues of deep purples and blues, along with the flowing typeface design, make this a truly beautiful adaptation of the nighttime Sh'ma, invoking traditional nighttime blessings of peace and protection and helping to create a lovely new family ritual at bedtime. The author has included the adult version of the Kriat Sh'ma al HaMitah in both English and Hebrew at the end of the book. This engaging book won the 2008 Sydney Taylor Book Award for Younger Readers from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ages 4 - 8. Reviewed by Lisa Silverman

Beautifully written and illustrated, a wonderful baby gift or gift for a young child. The CD is wonderful too. My son asks me to read the book over and over.

The accompanying Bedtime Sh'ma CD, sung so simply and intimately by Rabbi Julia Andelman, is lovely and perfect not just for children but also for adults. The book and CD are wonderful together, each magnifying the charm of the other.

This creative book is a sweet way to end the day with a thoughful and meaningful message to my 3 year old daughter before she goes off to sleep. How wonderful!!