The Unwinding Path

The Unwinding Path, Betany Coons, text and illustrations. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514013151) 2026.

Summary: A bedtime book inviting children into quiet and rest as they follow the calming path of the labyrinth.

One of the challenges of bedtimes for young children is helping them wind down and fall asleep. Sometimes, there has been so much in the day filling their minds and hearts. Reading aloud together is one of the ways parents help children unwind and let go and get sleepy.

In this case Betany Coons has written a book that intentionally helps children enter into quiet and rest. We are invited to follow the winding path of a labyrinth, which is really an “unwinding” path. It’s a path of no wrong turns that acknowledges the “dead ends and wrong turns” of the day. As we walk, we are invited to notice and let go of the heavy things we carry. Although we climb a stairway to the entrance of the labyrinth, we begin to feel lighter. We pause at the top for some deep breaths, to listen, look, and breathe in the smells.

Then we follow a winding path, perhaps with a child tracing it with a finger. We run, feeling God in the wind all around us. Though we walk through dark places, we needn’t fear getting lost because this is a labyrinth, a single unwinding path. And we are not alone but gentle guided by the Spirit into stillness and light.

Part of the path is on water, and we float through a glade of sleeping creatures, remaining quiet so as not to wake them. We become so still we hear our hearts beat, reminding us with each beat of God’s love as we come to the heart of the labyrinth. We rest, breathe, scoop some water and feel the softness of the air and the presence of God.

And then we follow the path out, taking the time we need. It’s like climbing into bed, covered and held by God’s love. “Breathe in. Breathe out.”

The story and the path help children, and maybe their parents, both let go of the day and surrender themselves to God’s tender care in the night. Betany Coons invites us to breathe in and out, to float and be still, and to become aware of God with us.

The calming words are accompanied with illustrations in soothing cool colors with splashes of brightness. The path allows for a slow and meandering journey as we come to the quiet center.

My hunch is that children will not be the only ones to unwind in the shared time of this bedtime story. And don’t we all need the reminder of God holding and loving us at the end of the day? I know I do.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.