Bedtime by George MacDonald (1872)
"Bedtime" by George MacDonald is a short story about a young boy named Tommy who struggles to fall asleep at night due to his fear of the dark and monsters. One night, he meets a kind old man who helps him overcome his fears and teaches him how to find peace in the darkness. The book emphasizes the importance of facing one's fears and finding inner strength.
By George MacDonald · First published 1872 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family · 188 words
First lines
"Come, children, put away your toys; Roll up that kite's long line; The day is done for girls and boys -- Look, it is almost nine! Come, weary foot, and sleepy head, Get up, and come along to bed."
The children, loath, must yet obey; Up the long stair they creep; Lie down, and something sing or say Until they fall asleep, To steal through caverns of the night Into the morning's golden light.
We, elder ones, sit up more late, And tasks unfinished ply, But, gently busy, watch and wait -- Dear sister, you and I, To hear the Father, with soft tread, Coming to carry us to bed.
What this Textopian page supports
Bedtime is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1872 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family, Fantasy, Christian Literature
- Length: 188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bedtime by George MacDonald
- 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 Bedtime?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Pinafore by George Macdonald
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- A Make Believe by George Macdonald
- Up And Down by George Macdonald
- The Early Bird by George Macdonald
Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem addresses children directly, using simple language and themes related to bedtime routines.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Family — The themes revolve around family dynamics, with references to children and elder siblings.
- Fantasy — The imagery of 'caverns of the night' and 'morning's golden light' suggests a fantastical journey through sleep.
Tags
children · fantasy · bedtime stories · imagination · dreams · morality · adventure · whimsy · narrative · fairy tales · innocence · wonder