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.)