Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Before I Wake Up written and illustrated by by Britta Teckentrup, . 56p. Prestel, hardcover, $14.95 (9783791372464) (#IBRChildrensBooks)



In this contemplative book about dreaming, a young girl and her protective lion float into the night. They travel across the oceans so the girl can swim with sea creatures before moving on to the woods, where friendly animals implore them to stay. Although the invitation is tempting, as night fades, girl and lion part, returning to their respective homes (a stuffed lion waits for the girl at hers) to greet a new day. While floating through the air and encountering strange beasts might cause fear in some, in this case, there is little concern because of the watchful lion. With gentle, reassuring words, the sweet, rhyming text exudes comfort. White pages of text offset darkly shaded, collage-style illustrations that evoke nighttime. On the final pages, the darkness gives way to bright yellows, signaling the new day. Several wordless spreads provide opportunities for additional rumination while conveying the disorientation that dreams can cause. All dreams should be this lovely, and all new days this promising.

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