The Guardian Angel by Edith Nesbit
A young child describes their bedtime routine, feeling safe and protected by their guardian angel who stands watch over them. The child knows the angel is present, even though they can't see them, and hears the rustling of their wings in the darkness.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1907 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Religious Literature · 118 words
First lines
When my good-nights and prayers are said And I am safe tucked up in bed, I know my guardian angel stands And holds my soul between his hands.
I cannot see his wings of light Because I keep my eyes shut tight, For, if I open them, I know My pretty angel has to go.
But through the darkness I can hear His white wings rustling very near; I know it is his darling wings, _Not_ Mother folding up my things!
What this Textopian page supports
The Guardian Angel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Religious Literature
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Guardian Angel by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Guardian Angel?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Return by Edith Nesbit
- Absolution by Edith Nesbit
- At The Gate by Edith Nesbit
- The Shadow In The Moonlight by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Evening Prayer by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The text is written in a simple, rhyming format, which is typical of children's literature. The theme of a guardian angel watching over a child at night is also a common theme in children's stories.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a consistent rhyme scheme, which is characteristic of poetry.
- Religious Literature — The concept of a guardian angel is a religious one, suggesting that this text could be classified as religious literature.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Angels · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Family · Coming of Age · Growing Up · Self-Discovery