Continuing a whirlwind season for the legendary worship leader/artist, Michael W. Smith announces the release of his first children's book. "I've been dreaming about creating children's books for a long time. What can I say? I have a bunch of grandkids! So I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with my buddy and co-creator of VeggieTales, Mike Nawrocki, on my very first picture book, Nighty Night and Good Night."

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With the launch of Nurturing Steps, a new infant and toddler series with a simple mission to provide parents and grandparents with music and books to enliven a young child's journey with hope and faith through song and storytelling, Michael's Nighty Night and Good Night will be accompanied by a companion lullaby album. The album, Lullaby, will release May 4, with the book hitting shelves May 8. Nighty Night and Good Night is available for pre-order now, with a few exclusive gifts available when you order before May 7th. This will be Michael's first children's album and children's book.

"One of the greatest joys of my life is being a parent and a grandparent," says Michael, the father of five, who is called "G-Daddy" by his 14 grandkids. "I want to serve the next generation well. That's why I created Nurturing Steps, to provide stories and songs that will help shape the faith of our newest generation."
 

 
For Lullaby, Michael meaningfully arranges his worldwide hits like "Agnus Dei" and "Friends" along with new ballads "No More Crying," "Sleep Tight" and more, and leads an audio bedtime drama for young children with the Nighty Night characters. The Nighty Nights also join Michael as his band with Bear on Guitar, Lamby on Keys and Sleepy Puppy on Upright Base.
 
In Nighty Night and Good Night, members of the Nighty Night band are further called upon to help their friend, Ben, as he tries to fall asleep. After bedtime prayers and some going-to-sleep rituals are done, a lullaby sung by the band of animals including Bear, Sleepy Puppy and Lamby finally does the trick.
 
"I have wonderful memories of reading, singing and praying with my children before bed," says Nawrocki. "It can be a sacred time with our little ones, and I'm thrilled to be able to partner with Michael to create stories that parents and grandparents can use to help pass important values on to their children and grandchildren."

The release of Nighty Night and Good Night follows last month's double release of A Million Lights and Surrounded. Michael is currently out on his Surrounded By A Million Lights Tour. Click here for tickets and dates. For continued updates on the book, check out the official website here and follow Michael on social media here.