Charlie Can't Sleep!: Trusting God When You're Afraid of the Dark

American Fiction Awards Winner—Children's Religious

Illumination Book Awards—Gold, Christian Children's Book 

Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner 

God is with us—even in the dark.

For Charlie, bedtime is the hardestpart 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. Through tender storytelling and thoughtful illustrations, 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.

Caregivers will love Charlie Can't Sleep! for its gentle blend of spiritual encouragement and practical support for children as well as its special note from the author that encourages meaningful conversations with children.

Key Features:

• Relatable Storytelling: Helps children feel understood in their nighttime fears
• Biblical Comfort: Draws on Scriptural truths to remind kids of God’s constant presence and care
• Expertly Illustrated: Breezy Brookshire brings Charlie's world to life with playful artwork that will engage and delight young readers
• Encouraging Message: A positive resource that builds faith, trust, and courage in children

Perfect for Christian families, Sunday school classrooms, and children’s libraries, Charlie Can't Sleep! will become a bedtime favorite for anyone helping little ones conquer nighttime anxieties. Discover Charlie Can't Sleep! and share with children the comforting truth that God is with us—even in the dark.

Rachel Joy Welcher (MLit, University of St. Andrews) is the author of Talking Back to Purity Culture and three collections of poetry. She works as a book editor and lives in South Dakota with her husband, Pastor Evan, and their two children, Richard and Hildegaard.

Breezy Brookshire is an award-winning children’s book illustrator whose work is seen in titles such as A Little More Beautiful: The Story of a Garden by Sarah Mackenzie and The King of All Things by Shay and Catherine Gregorie. She grew up in Indiana often exploring the outdoors and crafting with her family, which deeply influenced her love for art and nature. You can find out more about Breezy and her work at www.breezybrookshire.com.