Before We Sleep - by Giorgio Volpe (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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 Quotes

★ "Visual beauty plus the beauty of closeness in sad times. Cuddle close for this one." Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

A Best Picture Book of the Year 2021 - Kirkus Reviews

A Best Bedtime Picture Book of the Year 2021 - Kirkus Reviews

"A touching, beautifully illustrated story. The storytelling is gentle, full of love and yearning; the muted colors in the artwork let Fox's bright coat stand out beautifully against encroaching gray of Winter. Dormouse's tilted head and soft words show a kindness and love for a friend; body language that immediately sends a comforting signal to readers. A lovely story of friendship and the fear of separation and loss; a warm feeling of knowing that your friends will be there when you open your eyes. Think about this one for possible grief and loss resources, too." - Momreadit.com

"It's charming, surprising, and relatable. Young readers will love this book, but I can guarantee that adult readers will as well." - Jena Benton, Jenabenton.com

"A sweet little tale of the power of friendship." - Jessica Harrison, Cracking the Cover

"This endearing story, with the muted, dreamy illustrations will grab your heart. You'll feel the two friends' joy as they play, Hazel's sleepiness as she curls up inside her cozy teapot, Little Red's hope that perhaps this year Hazel's nap will be a short one and most of all the love they have for one another. It's a perfect bedtime story for your little ones, especially for those who might need assurances you'll be there when they wake up." - Red Canoe Reader

"I loved the beautifully layered and textured illustrations that really capture the lovely colors of fall . . A sweet bedtime story about friendship but I think it is really more than that. It's also about separation anxiety, something that kids can experience in all kinds of ways . . . A good story for talking about how kids can hold on to the person who is temporarily absent from their lives." - Randomly Reading

"Proietti's soft palette of autumn pastels really bring Volpe's forest to life . . . the perfect heart-warming bedtime read." - World Kid Lit

About the Author

Giorgio Volpe has a degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Rome where his thesis focused on children's theater. In 2014 he founded a theater company which has produced several plays he has written. To his credits as an actor and playwright, he adds children's book author. He has written collaborated with Paolo Proietti on several titles. Before We Sleep is his first book to be published in English. Paolo Proietti, a Rome native, studied graphics and visual communication at the International School of Comics in Rome. He developed a passion for children's books and in 2016 won the prestigious Scarpetta d 'oro Award for illustration. Since then, he has focused on picture books and has published several including those in collaboration with author Giorgio Volpe. Translator Angus Yuen-Killick is the founder and publisher of Red Comet Press. Originally from the UK, he lived in Rome in the 1980s. He now lives and works in brownstone Brooklyn, NY.