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Before the World Wakes
A joyous celebration of the sights and sounds of daybreak and that special feeling a brother and sister have when they get to experience it together.
When everything is still gentle and quiet-ish and the stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, a brother and sister venture outside. They marvel at the dance of the snails and the birdsong that surrounds them. And then they join in, reveling in the early morning—and their time together before the rest of the world wakes.
With lyrical language and beautiful art, this book captures the magic of daybreak, the importance of small moments, and the special bond between siblings.
When everything is still gentle and quiet-ish and the stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, a brother and sister venture outside. They marvel at the dance of the snails and the birdsong that surrounds them. And then they join in, reveling in the early morning—and their time together before the rest of the world wakes.
With lyrical language and beautiful art, this book captures the magic of daybreak, the importance of small moments, and the special bond between siblings.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
172 people are currently reading
4003 people want to read
About the author
Estelle Laure
14 books587 followersEstelle Laure is a Vonnegut worshipper who believes in love and magic and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theater Arts from New Mexico State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and thinks everyone should have to wait tables or work in a kitchen at least once in their lives. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 22, 2022
Cute watercolor illustrations about siblings spending precious time together.
Amazon First - March.
Amazon First - March.
September 10, 2024
The language in Estelle Laure’s “Before the World Wakes,” threw me off at times. For example, on one page it says,
“Then the sky goes the color of a wish.”
For me, it just seemed like Laure was trying too hard to be poetic and it just didn’t work out. The illustrations by Paola Zakimi were okay, but I worry about the message being sent—of two young children sneaking out of the house before the sun is even up. Given that the kids reading this are aged three through seven, Zakimi should have shown that a parent was awake **before** the children went outside, or, preferably, gone outside **with** them, instead of showing a parent in the kitchen **after** the children had already snuck outside. As a parent, I would have freaked out if my minor children would have gone out at that time without my knowledge.
“Then the sky goes the color of a wish.”
For me, it just seemed like Laure was trying too hard to be poetic and it just didn’t work out. The illustrations by Paola Zakimi were okay, but I worry about the message being sent—of two young children sneaking out of the house before the sun is even up. Given that the kids reading this are aged three through seven, Zakimi should have shown that a parent was awake **before** the children went outside, or, preferably, gone outside **with** them, instead of showing a parent in the kitchen **after** the children had already snuck outside. As a parent, I would have freaked out if my minor children would have gone out at that time without my knowledge.
March 3, 2022
This was so cute 😍 my daughter love it we read it together and she really liked it
March 17, 2022
I related to this book as I love the time of dawn when it’s still dark, about to turn light. This book contained rich details of a brother and sister using all their senses to notice this beautiful, calm, and mysterious part of the day. The illustrations were colorful, yet soft, and captured the meaning and emotion of the text.
March 3, 2022
Meh,
Brother/sister bond is a winner theme; the illustrations are pretty but all the faces at the school & town fair are monochrome. Hello this is the 21st century — you can/should do better.
The text is not as whimsical or lyrical as the theme or illustrations.
I read this on Kindle as a bonus book from Amazon.
Brother/sister bond is a winner theme; the illustrations are pretty but all the faces at the school & town fair are monochrome. Hello this is the 21st century — you can/should do better.
The text is not as whimsical or lyrical as the theme or illustrations.
I read this on Kindle as a bonus book from Amazon.
July 27, 2022
Perfect book for younger grandchildren, especially if they love nature.
April 26, 2022
This was an Amazon First Reads book from March.
This is a lovely calm book with beautiful, colorful watercolor illustrations. What the little girl loves best is the calm magic before the world wakes and being there with her little brother.
This is a lovely calm book with beautiful, colorful watercolor illustrations. What the little girl loves best is the calm magic before the world wakes and being there with her little brother.
April 12, 2022
A pair of siblings enjoy that special time of day that only early birds get to experience.
With sweet, ethereal artwork by Paola Zakimi.
With sweet, ethereal artwork by Paola Zakimi.
April 8, 2022
For some kids, their favorite part of the day is arriving at school, the hum of all the kids talking, and seeing all their friends and teachers in the classes. But, for other kids, this is overstimulating and not a good way to start the day.
A brother and sister prefer the quiet moments of the day, especially those moments when most of the world is still asleep. These young siblings slip outside just as the stars are going to sleep and the sun is starting to rise. They greet the snails and the birds and the flowers.
I assume these children are walking around their own yard. They aren’t sneaking out to walk around the city or far away. One of the illustrations shows their mom in the window. So, even though sneaking out in the early morning hours isn’t recommended, I can see where there is a boundary that they can explore. As a parent reading this to your child, you might be able to explain that depending on where you live, this might not be appropriate. But, if they are interested in exploring those early morning hours, you can show them the eastern sky to watch for the sunrise.
The illustrations are soft and remind me of a coloring book. The siblings love to explore together, keeping their observations close to themselves like a snail dancing or the birds’ morning songs. This book will remind kids to look for the quiet moments in their day, for the things that others may miss like a flower blooming. There is beauty during those early morning quiet hours and relishing in those moments can be a great way to start your day.
A brother and sister prefer the quiet moments of the day, especially those moments when most of the world is still asleep. These young siblings slip outside just as the stars are going to sleep and the sun is starting to rise. They greet the snails and the birds and the flowers.
I assume these children are walking around their own yard. They aren’t sneaking out to walk around the city or far away. One of the illustrations shows their mom in the window. So, even though sneaking out in the early morning hours isn’t recommended, I can see where there is a boundary that they can explore. As a parent reading this to your child, you might be able to explain that depending on where you live, this might not be appropriate. But, if they are interested in exploring those early morning hours, you can show them the eastern sky to watch for the sunrise.
The illustrations are soft and remind me of a coloring book. The siblings love to explore together, keeping their observations close to themselves like a snail dancing or the birds’ morning songs. This book will remind kids to look for the quiet moments in their day, for the things that others may miss like a flower blooming. There is beauty during those early morning quiet hours and relishing in those moments can be a great way to start your day.
March 9, 2022
I am a morning person, so this book speaks to me. It is lyrical and quiet and accurately captures those quiet moments before the rest of the world wakes up. Maybe it will convince some children to become morning people.
May 8, 2022
Fun, inspiration, and cute.
March 5, 2022
Half the kindle book was missing
Kindle version is only half the book, every other page is missing. I’ll update my review if this gets fixed but am very disappointed with this release right now.
Kindle version is only half the book, every other page is missing. I’ll update my review if this gets fixed but am very disappointed with this release right now.
March 10, 2022
A very cute story and beautiful watercolor illustration. My 10 month old was captivated and the story wasn't too lengthy for her to sit and enjoy.
March 29, 2022
As an Amazon Prime member, I typically detour from my usual reading habits into different genres for my monthly experience with an Amazon First Read. The First Read program offers Prime members select opportunities, typically one or two books per month, to experience books in the month before their planned publication date. The experience is remarkably hit-and-miss, occasionally revealing a true indie gem but more often than not proving a touch disappointing.
Estelle Laure's "Before the World Wakes" is sort of in the middle. Aiming for the ages 3-7 crowd and the parents who read to them, "Before the World Wakes" presents with a certain mystical whimsy as a young brother and sister adventure outside the family home in the early morning hours to experience the world before busyness takes over. It's a time of quiet, a time of nature, and a precious time together.
There are some who have appropriately expressed concerns that our young children at the core of Laure's simple story are a tad too young to embark on such an early morning journey without supervision. While this is, in my estimation, both appropriately observed yet also looking at a children's book through adult eyes, there are literary cues that would have been helpful - for example, keeping the story obviously in the family's backyard or having Paola Zakimi's illustrations subtly reference the children passing by an observant parent. There's perhaps too much whimsy and not enough wisdom.
I understand where Laure was aiming, but the combination of adventurous children and the very intentional keeping of secrets just feels a bit off.
A book like "Before the World Awakes" always comes off, at least to me, better in print than in an electronic version. I appreciated Zakimi's illustration work, though I found it somewhat limiting on my Amazon Fire and I found the font to illustration balance taking me out of whimsy and into having to focus to read it. This kept me from really immersing myself in the story. My gut feeling is that holding the book in my hands would allow me to more immerse myself in this world that Laure is working to create.
"Before the World Wakes" is, however, still an enjoyable experience with a story that bathes in the beauty of nature and practically begs us to slow down and surrender ourselves to the early morning quiet and the beauty that surrounds us. While I find myself wishing that Laure had been a bit more careful with her use of language, "Before the World Wakes" is still a story that will be enjoyed and appreciated by children and the parents who read to them. I'd imagine that those who live in rural settings will most appreciate "Before the World Wakes," Laure's naturalism embracing a simpler life and the children who wander outside, as is often true in the country, with the snails and butterflies as their companions.
Estelle Laure's "Before the World Wakes" is sort of in the middle. Aiming for the ages 3-7 crowd and the parents who read to them, "Before the World Wakes" presents with a certain mystical whimsy as a young brother and sister adventure outside the family home in the early morning hours to experience the world before busyness takes over. It's a time of quiet, a time of nature, and a precious time together.
There are some who have appropriately expressed concerns that our young children at the core of Laure's simple story are a tad too young to embark on such an early morning journey without supervision. While this is, in my estimation, both appropriately observed yet also looking at a children's book through adult eyes, there are literary cues that would have been helpful - for example, keeping the story obviously in the family's backyard or having Paola Zakimi's illustrations subtly reference the children passing by an observant parent. There's perhaps too much whimsy and not enough wisdom.
I understand where Laure was aiming, but the combination of adventurous children and the very intentional keeping of secrets just feels a bit off.
A book like "Before the World Awakes" always comes off, at least to me, better in print than in an electronic version. I appreciated Zakimi's illustration work, though I found it somewhat limiting on my Amazon Fire and I found the font to illustration balance taking me out of whimsy and into having to focus to read it. This kept me from really immersing myself in the story. My gut feeling is that holding the book in my hands would allow me to more immerse myself in this world that Laure is working to create.
"Before the World Wakes" is, however, still an enjoyable experience with a story that bathes in the beauty of nature and practically begs us to slow down and surrender ourselves to the early morning quiet and the beauty that surrounds us. While I find myself wishing that Laure had been a bit more careful with her use of language, "Before the World Wakes" is still a story that will be enjoyed and appreciated by children and the parents who read to them. I'd imagine that those who live in rural settings will most appreciate "Before the World Wakes," Laure's naturalism embracing a simpler life and the children who wander outside, as is often true in the country, with the snails and butterflies as their companions.
April 6, 2022
My favorite time of day has always been early morning when no one else is awake and the world quietly brightens as I watch the sun's rays lengthening along the street outside. And that quiet, peaceful feeling has been expertly captured in this charming picture book about a sister and brother whose favorite time of day is not when it is light and bright outside as you might expect from kids wanting to be with their friends and doing all kinds of activities in school or just going out and about with their mom or even those tranquil evening moments quietly playing before bedtime.
No indeed, Their favorite time of day is just before dusk when "everything is still gentle and quietish and full of other people's dreams and sleeping." Wrapping blankets around themselves, they silently slip out of the house and into a world just beginning to wake up, when the "stars say good morning at the same time they say good night..." as the moon pulls them home, and "...as night and day hold hands." It's a time when night and day are in perfect balance.
And it is as if the world of nature is putting on a show just for these siblings, when trees whisper, snails dance, and birds begin to sing their birdsong.
Before the World Wakes is such a beautiful book, written in soft language which perfectly expresses just how lyrical the dawn of a new day can be. And it is so nice to see sibling enjoying each others company, and sharing their secret morning explorations. But, it is really so secret? Lest young readers like mine be concerned that these children are out alone with no one keeping an eye out on them, astute readers will notice the figure in the window (see above) who is none other than mom.
The watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations really bring home the idea of a quiet, peaceful world just waking up. The images are soft, done in a nature palette of soft pastel colors against which the sister and brother stand out in their striped pajamas and bright reddish hair.
When I read this book to my young readers it generated all kinds of ideas and memories about early mornings, and I was surprised to find that many have been taken to the nearby park early-ish and felt the same kind of wonder that the siblings in this book experience, which makes me love mornings even more that I already did (which is exactly time time of day that I am writing this).
What's your favorite time of day?
Thank you to Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for providing me with a copy of Before the World Wakes.
No indeed, Their favorite time of day is just before dusk when "everything is still gentle and quietish and full of other people's dreams and sleeping." Wrapping blankets around themselves, they silently slip out of the house and into a world just beginning to wake up, when the "stars say good morning at the same time they say good night..." as the moon pulls them home, and "...as night and day hold hands." It's a time when night and day are in perfect balance.
And it is as if the world of nature is putting on a show just for these siblings, when trees whisper, snails dance, and birds begin to sing their birdsong.
Before the World Wakes is such a beautiful book, written in soft language which perfectly expresses just how lyrical the dawn of a new day can be. And it is so nice to see sibling enjoying each others company, and sharing their secret morning explorations. But, it is really so secret? Lest young readers like mine be concerned that these children are out alone with no one keeping an eye out on them, astute readers will notice the figure in the window (see above) who is none other than mom.
The watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations really bring home the idea of a quiet, peaceful world just waking up. The images are soft, done in a nature palette of soft pastel colors against which the sister and brother stand out in their striped pajamas and bright reddish hair.
When I read this book to my young readers it generated all kinds of ideas and memories about early mornings, and I was surprised to find that many have been taken to the nearby park early-ish and felt the same kind of wonder that the siblings in this book experience, which makes me love mornings even more that I already did (which is exactly time time of day that I am writing this).
What's your favorite time of day?
Thank you to Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for providing me with a copy of Before the World Wakes.
April 14, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Before the World Wakes, written by Estelle Laure and illustrated by Paola Zakimi, a celebration of the magic of daybreak.
There are plenty of lovely times of day. When it’s bright and sunny, when spending time with family or school friends, bathtime, mealtimes – all these have their own charm. But for the sibling protagonists, the best time of day is the early morning hours of the day, when they wander outside together and feel the dewy grass on their toes. Wrapped in warm blankets, they can appreciate the peaceful sunrise, observe the slow dance of snails, and listen to the joyful songs of the stirring birds. When their mother asks what they did, they always say, “nothing” – their special time before the world wakes is just for the two of them.
A lovely concept with flawed execution. Early bird readers will likely agree that the predawn and dawn hours have a unique magic to them, and I loved the depiction of a special friendship between two siblings, which felt heartwarming and genuine. Evocative text like “the sky goes the color of a wish” is a pleasure to read aloud, and watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations capture a sense of wonder and playfulness. However, as a parent, the idea of my children sneaking out of the house unsupervised while I’m sleeping is TERRIFYING, and it’s this plot detail that may leave adult readers with unease. There’s also a disappointing lack of diversity in the school and crowd scenes, which are populated almost entirely by white-presenting characters. Otherwise, the length is fine for an elementary storytime, and JJ enjoyed some of the elements, especially the snails. This one has positives, but for us, also has to come with a serious conversation about safety that’s worth noting. Overall, Baby Bookworm approved, but with a pretty big asterisk.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 22, 2022
This is a picture book written for children ages 3 years old to 7 years old. This is a brand-new e-book published in 2022. This book is written by Estelle Laure and illustrated by Paola Zakimi. This book is about a brother and sister, and their time spent together before the rest of the world wakes up. Paola Zakimi uses a soft and muted approach to the illustrations in this story. This conveys to me the quiet and soothing time before the sun rises. The pictures express how much fun it can be to greet each new day. Do you know what is the best time of the day? Estelle Laure has written a charming story of a sister and brother who have figured out their answer to that question. The answer may surprise you and touch your heart. As you read this story you may think it is only about how the world slowly wakes each day. And you may think that is why it is the best time of each day. However, this sister and brother have another reason, they don’t even share this reason with their mom. They believe before the world wakes is the best time because it is the time, they can spend with each other. I am rating this book with four stars because I enjoyed the illustrations, the storyline, and the ending really touched my heart.
April 13, 2022
For this brother and sister, the best part of their day doesn't come at school with their friends, shopping with their mom, or playing before bedtime. The best part of their day is the magical time just before sunrise as "the stars say good morning at the same time they say good night...". I enjoyed reading and watching as they two children enjoy the beauties of nature together before the busy day begins. The poetic text is wonderfully highlighted by the illustrator's watercolor, pencil, and gouache art. This simple tale reminds readers that the most joyful moments in life are often made up of the quietest, simplest parts of our days. A lovely tribute to both the beauty of nature and the loving relationship between siblings.
Read
March 20, 2022I enjoyed the sibling bond and the idea that they could have an imaginative world of their own. The text is lyrical and would make for a nice bedtime read aloud. Overall the narrative is pretty simple, so I would say this would work best for toddlers and preschoolers.
That said, I am disappointed that the illustrations depict pages full of people who are all fair-skinned. I really think it's essential that children's picture books have accurate representation. I do like the style overall of the illustrations and think they pair nicely with the narrative, invoking emotions of peace and wonder.
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
That said, I am disappointed that the illustrations depict pages full of people who are all fair-skinned. I really think it's essential that children's picture books have accurate representation. I do like the style overall of the illustrations and think they pair nicely with the narrative, invoking emotions of peace and wonder.
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
March 27, 2022
Sweet
This is a sweet and simple story about a magical time of day (even as a night owl, dawn is magical!).
I saw some reviews that express concern about the secrets being kept. The secret is how special the time is, not THAT they went out. The mother obviously knows they went, and the children just explored. And with children this age, parents can typically tell when “nothing” is a lie!
Families can and should set boundaries. The story reads like these children are allowed to go out at this time; parents can and should discuss their family’s boundaries with their children.
This is a sweet and simple story about a magical time of day (even as a night owl, dawn is magical!).
I saw some reviews that express concern about the secrets being kept. The secret is how special the time is, not THAT they went out. The mother obviously knows they went, and the children just explored. And with children this age, parents can typically tell when “nothing” is a lie!
Families can and should set boundaries. The story reads like these children are allowed to go out at this time; parents can and should discuss their family’s boundaries with their children.
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December 23, 2022 For children, there are parts of the day that mean more than others. Whether it is at school, lunch, or even after school. But for the two children in BEFORE THE WORLD WAKES, the most special for them was when the world was waking up, and there was still darkness outside.
They enjoy the early morning when the stars say good morning and good night at the same time. There is something fresh and comforting about that time of the morning, when night bids adieu and the day is about to begin. The children cannot wait to say hello to a brand new day.
Wonderfully illustrated, the book will make children appreciate morning all the more.
They enjoy the early morning when the stars say good morning and good night at the same time. There is something fresh and comforting about that time of the morning, when night bids adieu and the day is about to begin. The children cannot wait to say hello to a brand new day.
Wonderfully illustrated, the book will make children appreciate morning all the more.
March 19, 2022
Filled with watercolor images, this book takes readers on a journey of self-discovery of what nature can offer to children in the early morning hours.
One of my favorite parts is how the author tied into the stars saying good morning as they say goodnight. I never thought about the stars doing that before but it is so true. Yes - there are flowers that do turn to face the rising sun.
This would be a perfect book to read and share with children to get them interested in exploring nature.
One of my favorite parts is how the author tied into the stars saying good morning as they say goodnight. I never thought about the stars doing that before but it is so true. Yes - there are flowers that do turn to face the rising sun.
This would be a perfect book to read and share with children to get them interested in exploring nature.
March 30, 2022
This was a sweet and charming children's book about a brother and sister; still at the age where they appreciated doing things together!
They spent a lot of time together doing many different things and going many places.
Above all, their favorite thing was to go into their yard, and the area around their home, in the wee still dark hours and watch the dusky night turn into the morning sun ! Watching as the day became new and alive with bugs and bird songs!
What could be better than seeing life through innocence and the happiness of youth!
They spent a lot of time together doing many different things and going many places.
Above all, their favorite thing was to go into their yard, and the area around their home, in the wee still dark hours and watch the dusky night turn into the morning sun ! Watching as the day became new and alive with bugs and bird songs!
What could be better than seeing life through innocence and the happiness of youth!
April 3, 2022
A brother and sister love to explore the world before the world wakes.
The world is a noisy place full of activities. School, playing and meal times fill the days of the brother and sister siblings.
They get up early to explore the morning dawn. This is their story!
“The stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, and we watch the moon pull them home, as night and day hold hands.”
A little suspension of reality and the use of creative imagination is the beauty of this story told.
The world is a noisy place full of activities. School, playing and meal times fill the days of the brother and sister siblings.
They get up early to explore the morning dawn. This is their story!
“The stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, and we watch the moon pull them home, as night and day hold hands.”
A little suspension of reality and the use of creative imagination is the beauty of this story told.
October 1, 2023
I downloaded Before the World Wakes as part of my Prime benefits program.
The soft beautiful and colorful illustration blend with the story of a sister and brother going outsie to greet thr dawn and enjoy the quiet special time of day.
I liked the comparison to the busy and noisey times in our busy lives, which can lead to discussions for the opinions of the children that it is read to. It is a great book to talk about feelings, increase vocabulary and reading appreation with young children.
The soft beautiful and colorful illustration blend with the story of a sister and brother going outsie to greet thr dawn and enjoy the quiet special time of day.
I liked the comparison to the busy and noisey times in our busy lives, which can lead to discussions for the opinions of the children that it is read to. It is a great book to talk about feelings, increase vocabulary and reading appreation with young children.
March 11, 2022
The story I can appreciate (two siblings spending time together, just the two of them before the world has had time to fully wake), but it was the illustrations that drew me to the book. They were soft and bold at the same time. Colorful without being too much and had a realistic cartoon-like atmosphere. They complement the text and have a little spark of their own.
*I won a finished copy from here, and this is my review. *
*I won a finished copy from here, and this is my review. *
March 22, 2022
Sibling stories, good warm sibling stories, get me every time. This is the story of a brother and sister who get up super early and go explore outside together. I love that this is their favorite part of the day. I love the celebration of simple moments. I love the little details like the siblings wearing blankets like capes around their necks when they go out to explore. It is a gentle, warm story about siblings spending time together.
April 28, 2022
"Then the sky goes the color of a wish. It's just for us."
It's the time of day when the grass is cold on toes, but not too cold; the time when the stars say good morning and good night at the same time; when "night and day hold hands." There's something very special about being outside when the world is waking up, especially when you have someone to share it with. "That is not nothing. It's everything."
A poetic celebration of daybreak to which is say "Ditto!"
It's the time of day when the grass is cold on toes, but not too cold; the time when the stars say good morning and good night at the same time; when "night and day hold hands." There's something very special about being outside when the world is waking up, especially when you have someone to share it with. "That is not nothing. It's everything."
A poetic celebration of daybreak to which is say "Ditto!"
January 9, 2023
I will never be a morning person. I didn't really like the style of Paola Zakimi's illustrations. The art looks like a mixed media that's a combination of watercolors, crayon and marker using a cut and paste method for the characters and animals. The cut and paste style is hit or miss with me. Some areas are blended with every media it makes the color look gross and overdone while other areas use subtle watercolor washes.
March 27, 2023
I absolutely adored this book! I borrowed it from the library, but before I turned the last page I knew that I had to own it for myself. Beautiful illustrations made even more special because the children remind me of my own grandchildren. As a morning person, I totally understand the desire to be up and greet the day "before the world wakes!" The most beautiful line..well, I won't spoil it, but suffice it to say, the text is like poetry. Truly.
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