About This Book:
A red fox and a gray dormouse joyfully play in their forest home as the season begins to change from fall to winter. Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story, knowing they will be together again in the spring.This gentle friendship story is the perfect allegory for the bedtime ritual. And the reassuring message is clear: “I will be there for you when you wake.”
*Review Contributed by Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*
What I loved: The soft colors and sweet story of friendship will make this a lovely bedtime choice. There is information to be gleaned for young children who may begin to understand about hibernation, fall, and also missing their friends. The story is relatively easy to follow for young readers, and a small amount of text on each page makes them turn quickly, which is great for toddlers and preschoolers on up. The elegant illustrations really shine in this adorable story.
What left me wanting more: The ending felt abrupt and did not really resolve the story, as they fall asleep outside the house – are they now hibernating together? Or will they wake up soon (was this just a night)? It is somewhat unclear after the buildup.
Final verdict: A story of friendship and parting, BEFORE WE SLEEP is a softly told picture book of muted colors and sweet friends.