This whimsical picture book explores a fantastical world where the stuff of dreams becomes reality. Visit a place where purple cows graze beneath marshmallow clouds, where moon-tulips glisten beneath copper-penny stars, and diamond spiders spin snowflakes amid polka-dot roses. Sweet, lyrical verse and dreamy, full-color illustrations will entrance even the busiest of minds, making Sun Flowers Rise in a Midnight Sky a storytime favorite kids will ask for again and again.
Normally poetry isn't my thing, but the illustrations in this book sucked me right in. The whimsical drawings on the cover peeked my curiosity - you could tell the artist put real creativity into each piece.
Flipping through, I was impressed by the skill and detail paid to every scene. The pictures truly brought the words to life in an imaginative way. Even if the poems themselves weren't always my style, I could appreciate the passion behind each depiction.
While the intended audience wasn't exactly obvious, I still found things to appreciate within its pages despite likely skewing younger than intended. The illustrations alone kept me engaged even if all the poetry didn't resonate. Sometimes taking a chance outside your regular tastes can uncover something new; I'm always up for discovering fresh creative talents.
The illustrations in this book look right out of a childhood dream! exactly what the whole theme of the book is; and they match it perfectly. they immerse you in this chaotic dreamland the artist has created which is lovely. it’s vibrant yet so gentle and beautiful that it can easily attract anyone of any age! As for the content I’m not sure. It has a beautiful idea behind it but I felt the poems weren’t catchy enough. But since I’m not an expert in children’s books I could be wrong about that, this’s a personal opinion. The chosen design for the poem’s placing was interesting but they were a bit hard to read at times because of their color and size, which I hope is reconsidered in the released version of the book.
•Thanks to 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 and the publisher for providing this digital copy•
Wow! The mixed media usage for the illustrations in this book is amazing!! Add to that the unique type setting (to have the words follow the lines from the images: sometimes curved, straight, sideways, etc) really brings each page layout together. I have two small criticisms that many may not be concerned about: 1) there is a mention of Heaven once, it’s brief and innocuous (no god references) but it is there; 2) it doesn’t rhyme. The best of the best bed time stories always rhyme, or at least flow a bit better than this one did, especially when read aloud. It may just be me but it was not as lyrical as I would have hoped.
All that said if those two elements don’t bother you then this book is an art piece unto itself. Well worth pouring over as an adult, thereby certainly engaging for a child. The illustrations are both colourful, yet not so crazy that they distract or interfere with a bedtime routine. I just can’t over emphasize how great the art is in this book. I’ve not seen anything quite like it in some time.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
I’m a huge poetry reader, and I already read some poetry books with a little illustration here and there. But this??? Wow. This was art!! I fell in love with every single page, no joke.
Will I buy the physical copy just for the illustration? Yes, yes and yes!
The hands of time stop after a billion ticks. The world’s largest lollipop is gone in a billion licks.
This book is absolutely stunning. I really am just blown away by the artwork. It reminds me of The Rainbow Fish with how it’s a blend of paints and metallics. I loved each page’s designs and would definitely recommend getting a physical copy if you can. I only got the ebook and I now want to pick up a physical copy in the future because the pictures are just so lovely.
The font is a little bit hard to read at times due to size/colour, but it’s a nice style, so perhaps it’s an ebook thing and it’ll be more clear in a physical copy. (But this was only very minor and I did read it on my laptop.)
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this author and illustrator in the future!
[Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.]
'What if when night falls, dreams come true?'
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This is such a poetic book, taking the reader in the realms of dreams and imagination. It is so poetic, the sentences being filled with a beautiful imagery and carefully-chosen words. And the illustrations! They are all such a delight to look at! They are so full of colours and magic that there is no doubt any reader could get lost in them...!
It might be a children's picture book, but any adult who likes to take some time to dream a little would definitely love it as well.
This book is truly beautiful, and defenitely one that will do wonders as a bedtime read. Because who knows, your dreams might come true once you've closed your eyes?
What if when night falls, dreams come true? And in the morning, no one knew?
Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a beautiful and imaginative poetry and picture books that will bring a whimsical world into the heads of readers of all ages.
The artwork and colors are absolutely stunning and unique! It definitely took me further into the magical world of dreams. The details will awe you as well, with all the texture and glitters.
Overall, I recommend this to readers and daydreamers young and old seeking a good book of poetry that will take them onto a quick but rewarding journey of magic and dreams. :)
Thank you to NetGalley and Empyrean Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
The illustrations of this book were phenomenal. They reminded me of Vincent Van Gogh and Monet's paintings. I really enjoyed the illustrations as well as the story and I can see this book being popular with children. I know I would've loved this book if it was published wheen I was a child! –
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I wanted to love this gorgeously illustrated fantasy. Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky offered lyrical verse and imagination-challenging artwork on every page.
But somehow it really missed the mark for us, and I can't put my finger on why. Maybe it was too "out there", simply too fantastic to be truly engaging for a small child? All I know is that by the end all the "imagine this" and "what if" got almost tedious. We can't see this as something we'd pull out to read every night (or "again! again!") before bed.
First of all, let me just say that the artwork in Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful vivid colors are mixed with interesting textures to create art that is perfect for this whimsical story. I will say that my 3-year old would probably not be very interested in this at the moment as he prefers books with more plot, however I can easily see myself pulling Sunflowers Rise out when he's just a little older to introduce him to mixed media and poetry. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Empyrean Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Brilliant and rich artwork makes this book appealing right away to a reader - it urges you to pick it up and read it. Upon reading the prose, however, the artwork and the story seem slightly incongruent with each other. Although the poem within the book seems fun - it juxtaposes a lot of images against their opposite situation, (i.e. Sunflowers rise in a midnight sky), since there is no real “story” it doesn’t actually capture the reader’s imagination as much as I thought it would upon first glance. The art completely overpowers the poetry. It is overwhelming and stunning and you want to flip through it just to see what comes next. But I just was not that impressed with the prose. Perhaps it is worth a purchase just for the illustrations alone.
This whimsical and poetic book really sets the imagination on fire. The illustrations lead the way for the book and are SO CREATIVE and beautiful to look at. Some are frame-worthy! That was by-far my favorite aspect of the book.
The lyrics were were uniquely spirited and aligned well with the art.
“Dusk inks the sky. Tulips bloom by the full moon, drinking up the light, until next day at noon.”
This seems like a perfect next step up after the classic favorite “Goodnight Moon,” as it’s more poetic and the book is a lot longer.
👦🏻 This book is perfect for 4-6.
🥹 The downsides: It’s long compared to many bedtime stories. It took me 3 minutes to read aloud, without stopping to appreciate the pages or reflect on the message. The rhythm of the poetry wasn’t my style. It irked me at times because some parts had good flow and rhyming and others didn’t.
🖼️ Some of the pages are frame-worthy. Would be so cute on the wall in a pretty frame.
Thank you to NetGalley, Empyrean Press, and Avery Davis for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you're looking for a new bedtime read look no further! Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a feast for the eyes. This stunning picture book spins dreams, encourages imagination, and is overwhelmingly stunning. Fans of Eric Carle and Nancy Tillman are sure to love this book full off color, texture, and whimsy.
I received this book as an ARC reader, and my copy was electronic, but I am definitely going to be looking for a physical copy. The illustrations are so rich on my IPAD; I can only imagine how beautiful they'll be in person.
What if everything you've ever seen in a dream was really happening? This book explores myriad twists and turns of the imagination, each page embellished with fantastical art reminiscent of a dreamscape. There isn't a strong plot, but this book definitely feels like the sort of thing one would read aloud in a whisper while waiting for sleep.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Whimsical and vibrant, this picture story book is night time/need time story book which kids will love because how dreamy it looks. The dreamy illustrations are beyond beautiful and amazing to look at.
The imagination is running wild and amoke and it is better that way because that's how kid's imagination goes.
Thank you Netgalley and empyrean press for this beautiful ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The tone of this lovely illustrated book is pensive, but also joyful, as the reader's imagination is both excited and soothed by the mixed media artwork. One truly feels like one is travelling in a fantastical land full of quirky beings and bold landscapes, and if one could find the way there, one could join in the adventures of the beings pictured there.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Empyrean Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
3.90 - Good Gorgeous illustrations that are emotional yet elegant. Brilliant representation of the imagery in words. A nuanced portrayal of a story with no plot or defining characters. Imaginative and flowery narrative. A sentence carries multiple interpretations. Passionate poems sprinkled throughout but lacks coherence. A gentle pillow of creativity.
Enjoyed this colorful, beautiful story. It was different and something I believe children would really like. A cute book to introduce kids to poetry. The art was eye catching and made me enjoy the book even more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Thank you so much netgalley and Empyrean Press for the arc!
This book is wonderful, I love the illustration is so whimsical and beautiful. The story just feels like a dream and beautiful written by Avery Davis. It makes me wonder how a nice dream was created by this book.
The illustrations in this picture book were extremely colorful, which helped to draw in the interest of the reader. However, I feel as if the illistrations and text itself beacame the book's downfall. As I was reading, I would find that the words would get lost in the illustrations, and the text in different directions made it more difficult to read. The poetry that was written was well done, but I feel as if the story could have had more to carry on.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“What if when night falls, dreams come true? / And in the morning, no one knew.”
This was such a fun illustrated and wonderful book about dreams. The story flowed seamlessly from one scene to the next. There were so many pictures and parts to this book - I would love to purchase a physical copy for my child.
Thank you to NetGalley and Empyrean Press for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏼
My GOODNESS! I cannot say enough how incredible the illustrations in this book are! I forgot to continue reading due to getting lost in the vibrancy of them, but thankfully my daughter nudged me along :) This book is truly gorgeous. I love the simple yet enriching text and its sweet, soft flow. This is an excellent bedtime read for all ages. I'm eager to have a physical copy for our shelves!
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.
"Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" by Avery Davis is a visually stunning digital arc that showcases a delightful play of vibrant colors and imaginative textures. The artwork in this book takes a wonderfully abstract and expressive approach, capturing the essence of a dreamscape where imagination takes the forefront.
The use of bold, vivid colors is particularly striking, bringing each page to life with an energy that leaps off the screen. Davis's unique artistic style blends whimsical elements with a depth that invites the viewer to delve deeper into each image.
The texture work in the book is another standout feature, adding layers of intrigue to the already captivating visuals. It's not just about the visual appeal; these textures create an almost tactile experience, making the digital pages feel interactive and alive.
Overall, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is a testament to Avery Davis's creative prowess, offering a feast for the senses with its abstract beauty and emotive color palette. This book is a delightful escape into a world of color and imagination, perfect for anyone seeking a unique and visually stunning reading experience.
“Books open and read themselves aloud. Receiving boisterous applause from the crowd.”
Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a fantastical picture book that brings a child’s imagination to life. Through a sequence of surreal imagery and poetic lines, the reader embarks on a journey of dreams and what-ifs. What if Saturn’s rings fell from the sky? What if street signs could tell us secrets? What if the grass turned purple? These questions, along with many others, are explored in mixed-media illustrations that effortlessly catch the eye. Fostering a visionary space for children, Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky falls under a unique category of picture books that lead one to ponder the curiosities of life.
Avery Davis masterfully reels us into a dreamlike state with her wording choices and the rhythm she creates on the page. The rhyme schemes allow the words to flow in a lyrical manner where the book feels as if it’s reading itself to you. Likewise, the structure of the lines flowing freely on the page, literally making you tilt your head, constructs an interactive experience that lets you fully dive into the story. There’s not one second when you want to peel your eyes from the pages. Though the small text on some pages occasionally makes it difficult to read, the overall design was pleasing to the eye. With the addition of Tang Wei’s colorful and textural illustrations, the book immerses its readers into an ingenious world that children are bound to adore. The illustrations are wondrous, incorporating a multitude of textures that pop-out on the page. The imagery is bright, shimmery, tangible, and completely original. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this book is a must read. It embraces curiosity and wonder in the most beautiful way. Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky gives children a glimpse into a magical realm of creativity where dreams really do come to life.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Empyrean Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
What if what you dreamt at night could come true? That’s the premise behind this lovely, whimsical children’s book. Page after page, we witness a dreamer’s imagination coming alive in vivid detail thanks to the brilliant illustrations by Tang Wei. There’s purple grass turning a cow purple as they grazed. An airplane that’s landed on marshmallow clouds. Hyenas being entertained by Comedian Cool Cat as the feline maintains extraordinary balance while standing on one foot as it plays the violin. Then there’s the world’s largest lollipop that vanishes after a billion licks. Readers will also see fireflies glowing brightly in the belly of an animal and seahorses riding in the boat.
There were many wonderful and colorful pages, but my favorite dream moment featured straws perched inside strawberries, waiting for slippers to stop by and quench their thirst. Even though I am deathly afraid of spiders, I spent several minutes admiring the diamond spider that spun shimmery snowflakes. It was gorgeous!
These images and more were not conventional, nor were the text placements. I loved how the words went uphill, downhill, and arched across the page. This feature will delight readers. They’ll enjoy following the text.
Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight is an explosion of color that will dazzle readers old and young. There is so much to see; you’ll discover something new every time you open the book. I would advise including it in your bedroom routine!
Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-18, but the artistry will mesmerize birth through two. Older children will also love the drawings and be open to extension activities surrounding the book’s theme: make your bedtime dreams come true.
Share Avery Davis’s story with your child or class. Ask if anyone has a dream to share. Please encourage them to bring their dream alive using any art medium.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought: Title: Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky Author: Avery Davis
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars Number of Readers: 15 Stats Editing: 8/10 Writing Style: 7/10 Content: 6/10 Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers: 9 would read another book by this author. 8 thought the cover was good or excellent. 6 felt it was easy to follow. 9 would recommend this book to another reader to try. Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’. Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ’rhythm and rhyme’. Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘keeping a young reader interested’. 11 felt the pacing was good or excellent. 9 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments “I think this is a funny book. I liked that the grass turned purple and the cows did too. I liked that it was rhyming too.” Girl, aged 8 “I liked the cover, but the title is a bit too small. I liked the rhyming story. It’s a bit odd, but that’s okay. I understood most of it, but not all of it, for example, Spiral down to every door. I didn’t get that.” Girl, aged 8 – with a little help from mum “The children in my class of 7 year olds enjoyed this book. They particularly liked the rhyming and the wonderful artwork. Sadly, a number of them had problems understanding it. Possibly it was a little too surreal for many of them, and they had problems identifying a story/theme. Still, I loved it. Possibly it’s one of those rare picturebooks which adults enjoy more than kids.” Primary school teacher aged 59 “I got sort of confused reading it as there were so many new words, but I liked it anyway.” Boy, aged 7 – with a little help from mum “I liked the part when angels gave away their wings so others could fly. I discussed this with my TA and we decided it was showing how important it is to be giving and help others.” Boy, aged 8 – with a little help from his TA
To Sum It Up: ‘A delightfully illustrated picturebook with a fantastical, ‘out of this world’ theme.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Avery Davis's Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a whimsical tale about what ifs and crazy events. The book is written in rhythmical prose that children will find silly and captivating. Bright and colorful illustrations fill the pages. Illustrations in this book remind me of those in Eric Carle books.
The book begins with the sentence, "What if when night falls, dreams come true?"
Some of the creative and quirky lines found in the book include:
"Saturn's rings shake loose, landing rainbows in the sky."
"People in pajamas slipper-skate on a lake, Tracing their names on curly cues on a birthday cake."
"Swallowed fireflies make belly buttons glow."
The book ends, "What if when night falls, dreams come true? And in the morning no one knew."
Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is an absolutely wonderful book. I found it to be entertaining, imaginative, and zany. What outrageous and implausible scenarios will you and your children come up with together? This book is not only a great read but also a great educational tool. As a mother of six and grandmother of two, I recommend this book.
Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky by Avery Davis is a dazzling celebration of imagination and creativity, perfect for children and the young at heart. From the very first page, readers are transported into a dreamlike world where marshmallow clouds float above purple cows, diamond spiders spin glittering snowflakes, and moon-tulips shimmer under copper-penny stars. Each illustration, brought to life by Tang Wei, bursts with color, whimsy, and intricate detail, encouraging readers to explore and revisit the pages again and again.
The text is playful and inventive, winding across the page in arches, slopes, and curves that complement the surreal illustrations. It captures the magic of dreams made real, and the lyrical phrasing makes it a delight to read aloud during storytime. Beyond its visual splendor, the book inspires creativity, inviting children to bring their own dreams to life through art and imagination.
This picture book is a feast for the senses and a wonderful addition to any bedtime routine or classroom library. It’s a vibrant, joyous journey that will captivate readers of all ages.
This book has a wealth of possibility to use in the classroom and when creating curriculum. A clear conversation starter, to promote student imagination and finding ways to promote the idea of the impossible becoming possible. The greatest treasure trove here is the illustrations, where so much can be discussed, and used as inspiration. Discussions here can include collage, color, layering, multi-media usage, layering, depth and so much more. From a literacy standpoint, this is a great book to use for inference as many illustrations do not simply depict the words, but force the reader to infer and search the creativity. I can see myself using each page in isolation, after giving the initial premise of the book, "What if when night falls, dreams come true?" I imagine breaking it up so the primary element of the book does not become the rhyming structure, but rather the use if imagination and creativity. I look forward to using this book across many ages - each with a different layer of meaning and focus.