Before Morning

A mother prepares to leave for work as her child goes to bed, setting the scene for this wordless winter story illustrated in black-and-white scratchboard art. The only text appears in the form of an invocation poem, expressing a wish for snow. The artwork follows the nighttime transformation of a city as weather moves in and changes the urban landscape. Through detailed sequential images, the story tracks how an incoming storm affects the streets, buildings, and residents. The book captures themes of hope and unexpected change, examining how nature can alter human plans and schedules. It speaks to both children and adults about the intersection between our structured lives and the unpredictable forces that surround us.

Readers connect with the quiet, hopeful tone and the universal wish for a snow day to pause regular routines. Parents note that children relate to the main character's desire for more time with family. Likes: - Beth Anderson's scratchboard illustrations capture nighttime winter scenes - Story works without words, letting pictures carry meaning - Short length makes it suitable for bedtime reading - Resonates with both children and adults Dislikes: - Some find the narrative too subtle - Text is minimal and may disappoint readers expecting more story - A few readers mention confusion about the mother's role as pilot Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,027 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (76 ratings) "The artwork transforms an ordinary neighborhood into something magical," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Several parents report their children studying the detailed illustrations multiple times. School Library Journal called it "perfect for winter storytimes."

Snow by Uri Shulevitz A child watches a city transform during a snowstorm with scenes that evoke the quiet power of weather to change the world.

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson Black and white illustrations follow a golden light through a house at night, creating a rhythmic exploration of darkness and comfort.

In the Small, Small Night by Jane Yolen A brother and sister share stories during a nighttime ritual that reveals connections between Ghanaian folktales and bedtime comfort.

Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin Animals guide children to dreamland through scenes that capture the transition from waking to sleep.

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon A family moves through their day while natural elements and weather patterns shape their experiences and connections.

🌨️ Joyce Sidman wrote this poetic picture book after being inspired by her son's childhood wish for a snow day that would keep his busy mother home from work. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Beth Krommes, created the stunning scratchboard illustrations by coating boards with black ink, then scratching away to reveal white lines beneath—a technique perfectly suited for depicting nighttime snowfall. ❄️ The book's text is written as an invocation—a special type of poem that acts as a wish or prayer—making it unique among children's picture books about snow. 🌃 The story takes place over a single night in an urban setting, following the transformation of a bustling city into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland. 👩‍✈️ The main character's mother is portrayed as an airline pilot, offering subtle representation for women in traditionally male-dominated professions.