Bedtime for Frances was first published in 1960, and it is still in print! Why? The wording is perfect and playful, the illustrations (involving anthropomorphic badgers) feel familiar yet fascinating, it is both humorous and (for children) mysterious, and . . . we are all Frances! Well, at least I am. No matter how old I get, I revert back to being Frances in an instant if my husband is away on business and the doorbell rings late at night, or I hear a strange creak, or a neighbor slams their door. Before I know it, thoughts of worst case scenarios have spilled over my mind and are churning in my stomach. There I am (lying in my seemingly peaceful bed) living right in the middle of all that imagined pain!
Bedtime for Frances reveals that our nighttime fears, if brought into the light, are nothing more than crumpled bathrobes or harmless moths thumping the glass with their wings.
Though we cannot make the sun come out at midnight, we can ask God to shine his light into our minds. Recently, when my husband was traveling, God led me to this verse:
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Isn’t that a comforting nightlight?!!! God alone has the power to give us tomorrow. Worry cannot add another hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27). Psalm 4:8 is more effective than melatonin. Whisper it again and again, like a lullaby. Let it sink into your heart, your memory. Trust Your Shepherd. Exhale the worries. Trust the Lover of your soul. Inhale His peace.
Sweet dreams,
Carol
P.S. Fernando Ortega wrote this beautiful song when he had a new baby. His desire to protect her was great, so fears tried to take hold at night. He wrote “Jesus, King of Angels” to remind him (and all of us) of the truth.
A Children's Book World 
Goodnight, my little Carol Beth the worrier🌙. “I will lie down and sleep in peace…” having read and meditated on your beautiful blog tonight. Thank you👼 I love you so very much💗 Mama
Sent from my iPad
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2 thoughts in response:
1. Ps 4:8 was almost a mantra of mine when my sweet daughter couldn’t sleep from PTSD following surgery. I would pray that Psalm over her repeatedly as I also prayed for sleep for both of us (it is still posted on a sticky note on my kitchen cupboard to remind me of who gives sleep)
2. Have you read the other “Frances” books? While “Bedtime for Frances” remains my dad’s favorite (his favorite line is “That’s its job. You wouldn’t want it to be out of a job, would you?” ) I think mine is “A Baby Sister for Frances” – I love how Frances runs away… But not too far… Just under the kitchen table. I could always picture myself cozy under the table but still showing my revolt at how things are not the way I want them, lol!
Keep up the beautiful writing!
Yes, they are all on my bookshelf. 🙂 I love A Baby Sister for Frances, too! It amazes me that Russell Hoban could pen classic after classic! Thank you for your thoughtful response, sweet friend!
Thank you for this comforting nightlight!
Blessings on you, Carol Beth.
Love, Aunt Becky
At times we all feel like Frances. What a lovely reminder that we only need to ask for God’s peace and He will provide it for us! Thank you, Carol, for your pure and blessed writing. You are a nightlight to us all!
Beautiful explanation dear Carol! I almost could hear the psalm. This is is a beautiful book. Thank you to share.
Thank you all, and God bless you!!!