Too Early

In short, conversational verse lines, Ericson (the Dill & Bizzy series) and MacKay (In the Clouds) chronicle a morning in the house of a young early riser. Standing in their parents' bedroom doorway holding a stuffie, a child portrayed with light brown skin, curly hair, and starred pajamas rouses the adults. "Shhhh, don't wake the baby," the mother says, offering sleepy smooches; "Too early," the father groans, before grabbing his robe and shuffling downstairs. Attentive to noises and sensations ("Burble burble goes the coffee pot. Beep beep"), the text captures warmth and affection as father and child head for the front porch, where the moon still shines bright: "Snuggle in, but watch your elbows./ (Careful not to bump the coffee!)." Layered images in shadowy blue hues gradually illuminate, exploring the way the first faint light of dawn steadily grows brighter, changing from dark blues to pinks and, finally, golden yellow. Images of the closely cuddled duo make it clear that though the father grumbles ("You sure do wake up early"), sunrise and a shooting star--and fleeting one-on-one time--represent a gift in the ordinary moments before a day's "rush rush." Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Jr./Folio Literary. (Nov.)

PreS-K--A young child is the first one out of bed, quietly waking up Mama and Daddy from their slumbers. The parents remind the little one not to wake the baby, but there is nothing to fear. The child, like the morning, is tranquil and quiet, just looking for some reassurance and affection. The child and Daddy get some drinks and snuggle on the front porch to enjoy the gentle dawn. While at first it seems as if the child woke too early, it's just in time. The lovely use of color in the illustrations conjures the sense of security and peace that comes with the promise of a new day. The cool blue of predawn shifts to the purples and pinks of sunrise and then to the bright yellow of the emerging sun. The wonderful and familiar details, such as the hallway night light, the half-dozing/half-awake shuffle of the father before the coffee kicks in, and the doggies doing their morning upward and downward stretches, bring the morning to life. Onomatopoeia and descriptive language throughout the text make this a great selection for language arts integration. VERDICT The surprise for listeners or lapsitters that it's not too early after all will bring home this comforting reminder to slow down and enjoy every sweet moment.--Alyssa Annico