my very first Bedtime book

This book from a religious publishing house contains ten short, illustrated stories based on the parables but featuring the everyday activities and preoccupations of preschoolers at home or playgroup and each story is followed by a linked prayer or blessing.

Ayliffe’s bright jolly papercut illustrations and the clear print make the book appear attractive, but the stories seem to have been written as vehicles for a moral message rather than to entertain. And, what is the point of the ‘Bedtime Words’ final double spread with such crass definitions as ‘cuddle – a long hug’ or ‘bed – a soft place to lie down to sleep’?