Before I Sleep I Say Thank You

Children’s Stories/Primary

Start a new bedtime tradition that underscores the importance of gratitude. Before I Sleep encourages children to review their day and see how God has been present throughout it.

Pauline Books & Media

$14.95

www.JClubCatholic.org

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Ekster • Rojas

What do you do at the end of the day?

Brush your teeth?

Put on your pajamas?

Have you ever stopped to think about everything that happened during the day?

Did you ever think and say “thank you” to God?

Before I Sleep

“Thank you, God, for all you have given us today.”

Written by Carol Gordon Ekster

Illustrated by Mary Rojas

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glued down

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Before I Sleep I Say Thank You Written by Carol Gordon Ekster Illustrated by Mary Rojas

Boston

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Tuck-­in ­time is my favorite part of the day.

Tonight, it’s Mommy’s turn.

“Almost done brushing,” I mumble with a mouthful of minty toothpaste.

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Mommy clasps her hands behind her and I hook on to them.

She’s the train and I’m the caboose.

“Choo-­choo!” we chant as we chug to my room.

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“Again?” I ask. Some nights I get another ride.

Other times Mommy says, “Sorry, Honey.”

But tonight I get a surprise.

“How about a plane ride instead?” she asks.

Our arms stretch into wings. And we fly!

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Now it’s really time for bed. Mommy clicks on the night-­light. I hop up and slide between the sheets. She tucks the blanket around me, brushes my hair with her hand, and asks, “Are you cozy-­comfortable?”

I nod my head and we begin our goodnight prayers.

Mommy whispers, “Let’s take a moment to think about our day.” She takes my hands in hers and we close our eyes.

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