Before Morning
illustrated by Beth Krommes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. ISBN: 9780547979175. Ages 4-8
In the deep woolen dark,
as we slumber unknowing,
let the sky fill
with flurry and flight.
Let the air turn to feathers,
the earth turn to sugar,
and all that is heavy
turn light . . .
There are planes to fly and buses to catch, but sometimes we wish for a different sort of day . . . a day that’s slow and delightful and white.
In a spare text that reads as pure song and illustrations of delicately beautiful scratchboard art, Before Morning reminds us that sometimes, if spoken from the heart, wishes really can come true.
New York Times Editor’s Choice
Amazon Best Book of 2016 for Ages 3-5
Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Best Book of the Year
“This simply perfect book is a must-have piece of portable poetry and art for all collections.”
*School Library Journal (starred review)
“The story’s parallel but separate threads . . . give this collaboration significant emotional depth.”
*Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
“A keenly perceptive poet, Sidman shows that words and snow both have the power to transform our view of things.”
New York Times (*Editor’s Choice)
“It is rare in picture books to find words and art so perfectly matched.”
*Booklist (starred review)