Kid Review – Charlie Can’t Sleep – picture book

Welcher, Rachel Joy. Charlie Can’t Sleep! Illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (IVP Kids), 2025.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

It can be hard for children to settle down at bedtime. They play over in their heads scenes from the day – both good and bad. Fears and anxieties can grow in the quiet and dark. Charlie Can’t Sleep! is the perfect bedtime story to calm and comfort after a long, busy day.

For Charlie, bedtime is the hardest part of the day. The stillness of the night brings strange sounds, racing thoughts, and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. But as Charlie’s mother reminds him of the timeless truth from Psalm 121—that we can rest because God never sleeps—he begins to face the dark with renewed courage and peace.

This beautifully illustrated book not only acknowledges a child’s fear but also equips them with a biblical, comforting approach to tackle it. Charlie Can’t Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.

Purchase Charlie Can’t Sleep on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3NAAiUe

My Kid Review

I think most of us, at one point or another in our lives, have been afraid of the dark. It does seem like fears seem to be larger at night. Charlie is like many children – looking for things that will help him put off going to bed.

Rachel Welcher understands these fears and has written a thoughtful story to help children be less afraid of the dark. Interspersed with Scripture and Biblical truths, the story directs children to pray when they are afraid. 

I love how the parents are portrayed in this story – as loving, caring parents who want to help their child. Not once do you see the parents dismissing Charlie’s fears. 

Breezy Brookshire’s illustrations convey the tone of the text well and even expand the story. 

Charleie Can’t Sleep! would be a great additoin to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian School library. It is appropriate for preschool through early elementary ages. 

I received a complimentary copy of Charlie Can’t Sleep!. This is my honest review. 

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