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While You Sleep
Breathtaking collage art and exquisite rhyming couplets showcase fantastical dreams as the natural world is prepared for a new day in this gentle bedtime book. As the day ends and a little girl is put to sleep by her mother, night-helper bunnies work their magic to tidy and polish the world. These helpers paint flowers, dust butterflies, and charge rainbows to make the world a beautiful place to wake up to. Miki Sato ’s collage art, which combines paper, textiles, and embroidery silk, creates a three-dimensional dream world that is rich in detail and texture. Jennifer Maruno uses soothing rhyming couplets that celebrate the beauty of nature, creating a uniquely magical world.
24 pages, Hardcover
Published November 29, 2022
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 21, 2022
I've never read a children's book quite like this. While You Sleep encourages everything hopeful and dream-filled that a child's mind yearns for.
The simply magical collage art by Miki Sato walks us through all the preparations that are made overnight to create a fresh new day: polishing the sun, combing the grass, stuffing the clouds, blowing ocean bubbles. The helpers are small and fluffy bunnies, just like every child's first stuffed animals.
And all that is asked of our precious young sleeping girl is to embrace and appreciate this wondrous world when she awakens to it.
As soon as While You Sleep is available, I'm definitely ordering copies of this enchanting picture book for my friends who have young children. And definitely a copy for myself.
The simply magical collage art by Miki Sato walks us through all the preparations that are made overnight to create a fresh new day: polishing the sun, combing the grass, stuffing the clouds, blowing ocean bubbles. The helpers are small and fluffy bunnies, just like every child's first stuffed animals.
And all that is asked of our precious young sleeping girl is to embrace and appreciate this wondrous world when she awakens to it.
As soon as While You Sleep is available, I'm definitely ordering copies of this enchanting picture book for my friends who have young children. And definitely a copy for myself.
October 16, 2022
This beautiful picture book is the perfect choice for a relaxing and enjoyable bedtime story! The rhyming text is simple and also calming, while still telling an interesting story. The really special thing about this book though is the beautiful illustrations. Made of multimedia collages, the illustrations look 3D and some elements seem to pop out of the page. I could definitely see young children being intrigued by the pictures as much as the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a new bedtime story to add to their collection. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
December 30, 2022
I'm OBSESSED with these illustrations and the collaging of so many types of materials!!
February 1, 2023
Love the artwork and the concept!
February 7, 2024
The text is sweet, lullaby-like. I enjoyed the collage illustrations when they were the most imaginative. The one I’ll remember shows a yawning girl’s toy rabbits weaving her a black and gray blanket of night “embroidered with a Milky Way.” For everyone who once slept with beloved stuffed animals and dreamed them alive….
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January 28, 2023See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/while-...
WHILE YOU SLEEP is a sweet picture book that settles children to sleep with rhyming text and whimsy. The story tells of a child going to sleep and describes the things that happen while they slumber, such as the sun being polished, elderflowers being cut from lace, and rainbows brightened. These tasks are being performed by the child's stuffed rabbits, who join her in sleep at the end.
What I loved: This is quite a whimsical story that imagines the planet and universe as being crafted while children sleep. Told in a rhyming pattern, the rhythm is one that little ears will appreciate and works well for reading aloud at bedtime. The illustrations are really unique, appearing as though they have texture, made from collages and photographed. They are quite lovely and thoughtful with plenty for children to explore on each page.
The text remains large and clear on each page, making it a solid choice for bedtime and lowlight. Combined with the theme and rhymes, this works well for a nighttime pick. The short amount of text to pictures and quickly turning pages will work well for little ones, including toddlers and preschoolers.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, some (very few) of the phrases are a bit awkward to make the rhymes work, so they make the tongue stumble a little as they are being read. Children who are becoming more curious about the world around them may need/want additional explanations that this story is just pretend and such chores are not performed.
Final verdict: WHILE YOU SLEEP is a sweet and whimsical bedtime story that invites readers to imagine the world and universe as something being crafted during slumber.
WHILE YOU SLEEP is a sweet picture book that settles children to sleep with rhyming text and whimsy. The story tells of a child going to sleep and describes the things that happen while they slumber, such as the sun being polished, elderflowers being cut from lace, and rainbows brightened. These tasks are being performed by the child's stuffed rabbits, who join her in sleep at the end.
What I loved: This is quite a whimsical story that imagines the planet and universe as being crafted while children sleep. Told in a rhyming pattern, the rhythm is one that little ears will appreciate and works well for reading aloud at bedtime. The illustrations are really unique, appearing as though they have texture, made from collages and photographed. They are quite lovely and thoughtful with plenty for children to explore on each page.
The text remains large and clear on each page, making it a solid choice for bedtime and lowlight. Combined with the theme and rhymes, this works well for a nighttime pick. The short amount of text to pictures and quickly turning pages will work well for little ones, including toddlers and preschoolers.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, some (very few) of the phrases are a bit awkward to make the rhymes work, so they make the tongue stumble a little as they are being read. Children who are becoming more curious about the world around them may need/want additional explanations that this story is just pretend and such chores are not performed.
Final verdict: WHILE YOU SLEEP is a sweet and whimsical bedtime story that invites readers to imagine the world and universe as something being crafted during slumber.
November 3, 2022
This is a simple story with charming illustrations for young children, with the story shared in simple rhythm and rhyme which adds a soothing tone, with this story meant to lull young ones to sleep. The rhythm creates an aura that is meant to be shared quietly as the story goes through the different pictures it creates, even without the illustrations, although all who have read these kinds of stories know that the illustrations are usually what draws children into a story, especially the youngest ones, but even parents will appreciate the simple charm this story holds.
My oldest ‘child’ who is no longer a child, began reading at a very young age, and the other day I saw a photo on the youngest member of my family lying in her crib that is more like a modified bed now, she will be three in three months and she was holding a book and reading it herself which made me smile. It may be that this story has been read to her so many times that she knows the words by heart, but it is knowing that her love of books, and holding onto them herself is something that she already cherishes that makes me smile.
Children learn to love reading by being read to, and those moments of being read to become memories both children and parents will come to cherish.
Pub Date: 29 Nov 2022
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Pajama Press
October 14, 2022
When a little girl goes to bed, her stuffed bunnies have a lot of work to do during the evening! They have to comb the grass, sprinkle dust on the butterflies, and paint the flowers to be ready for the next day. The bunnies are busy charging up the rainbows so they can glow, and making new bubbles on the ocean floor. All the while, the little girl is dreaming.
This beautiful book is enchanting! The story sweeps you away into a magical land of dreams as the bunnies stitch up the clouds, polish the sun, and embroider the Milky Way with stars.
The collage art is absolutely stunning! I had to stop and stare at each page, looking for all the little details of stitching and beadwork and fabric and watercolors. This artist, Miki Sato, is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists. I've read several of their books now, and every single page just blows me away. Something about this art is so gentle; perfect for a bedtime book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This beautiful book is enchanting! The story sweeps you away into a magical land of dreams as the bunnies stitch up the clouds, polish the sun, and embroider the Milky Way with stars.
The collage art is absolutely stunning! I had to stop and stare at each page, looking for all the little details of stitching and beadwork and fabric and watercolors. This artist, Miki Sato, is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists. I've read several of their books now, and every single page just blows me away. Something about this art is so gentle; perfect for a bedtime book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
October 10, 2022
A book that is the essence of a parent for their child while they sleep. I saw so much of myself in this book and how I used to think as a child. The story has made me realize that I have carried over many of my childlike notions, into my parenthood. I tuck my daughter in at night and make sure to tuck her 'babies' in with her because in my mind they keep her safe. The same thought I had when I was her age.
I try also to tell her that sleep is so essential to self-care and that our brains and bodies need so much rest from all the work and play we do. And to think that she might imagine her 'babies' as 'night-helpers' is such a romantic thought.
If this wasn't only such a cute story.... the illustrations ARE AMAZING!!! You can see the time and detail that when into EVERYTHING.
I can't wait to buy this for my daughter and read it to her. I hope she takes away what I have from it.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight for this beautiful ARC!
I try also to tell her that sleep is so essential to self-care and that our brains and bodies need so much rest from all the work and play we do. And to think that she might imagine her 'babies' as 'night-helpers' is such a romantic thought.
If this wasn't only such a cute story.... the illustrations ARE AMAZING!!! You can see the time and detail that when into EVERYTHING.
I can't wait to buy this for my daughter and read it to her. I hope she takes away what I have from it.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight for this beautiful ARC!
September 22, 2022
This new bedtime story by Jennifer Maruno is an absolute dream! (Pun intended)
When a young girl goes to sleep, it is up to the night-helper bunnies to freshen up the world for another day. From combing out the grass, to fluffing up the clouds, the bunnies work can be seen in every element of nature.
The artwork of While You Sleep is simply stunning. Using incredible collage work, Miki Sato combines so many elements to create a vibrant, textured, and dreamlike world.
This was such a wonderful book, the rhyming couplets were an absolute treat to read aloud, and the illustrations were simply magical. I would absolutely recommend this for any parent looking for a new bedtime staple.
Thank you so very much to Netgalley and Pajama Press for the opportunity to read and review this title!
When a young girl goes to sleep, it is up to the night-helper bunnies to freshen up the world for another day. From combing out the grass, to fluffing up the clouds, the bunnies work can be seen in every element of nature.
The artwork of While You Sleep is simply stunning. Using incredible collage work, Miki Sato combines so many elements to create a vibrant, textured, and dreamlike world.
This was such a wonderful book, the rhyming couplets were an absolute treat to read aloud, and the illustrations were simply magical. I would absolutely recommend this for any parent looking for a new bedtime staple.
Thank you so very much to Netgalley and Pajama Press for the opportunity to read and review this title!
October 10, 2022
Buying multiple copies of this book for EVERY baby shower I attend!!
This is the most creative, adorable and creative children’s literature books I have read in a long time.
The collage art illustrations will be enjoyed by the youngest of readers to the oldest. The details will keep you captivated for hours (if not days!). The rhythm and the rhymes are soothing like a cradle of words soothing your little one to sleep. “Close the drapes, turn off the light” (make sure to check out the drapes!! Out of this world).
The cross stich of words and sewn images are sure to plant seeds of imagination and creativity in every reader's mind.
Though my little one is not so little anymore (8 going on 21) I still read this heartfelt book to send him to sleep at night.
BEYOND Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Pajama Press.
This is the most creative, adorable and creative children’s literature books I have read in a long time.
The collage art illustrations will be enjoyed by the youngest of readers to the oldest. The details will keep you captivated for hours (if not days!). The rhythm and the rhymes are soothing like a cradle of words soothing your little one to sleep. “Close the drapes, turn off the light” (make sure to check out the drapes!! Out of this world).
The cross stich of words and sewn images are sure to plant seeds of imagination and creativity in every reader's mind.
Though my little one is not so little anymore (8 going on 21) I still read this heartfelt book to send him to sleep at night.
BEYOND Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Pajama Press.
October 16, 2022
This is an impressive rhyming picture book with collage illustrations that are a wonder to behold. The talented illustrator utilizes silk, paper, and a variety of textiles to create amazing visuals that marry perfectly with the text.
A small child is tucked in by her mother. Mother explains that while her daughter rests a tireless work party of energized bunnies will be busy tidying up the world in preparation for a brand new day. These helpers will magically paint flowers, dust off butterflies, restitch the sunny sky to the green farmland, and embroider the Milky Way into the dark night sky so tomorrow will be a beautiful place to wake up to once again.
"While You Sleep" is a fantastic bedtime choice that every child will embrace just before drifting off to Dreamland. I highly, highly recommend this book.
A small child is tucked in by her mother. Mother explains that while her daughter rests a tireless work party of energized bunnies will be busy tidying up the world in preparation for a brand new day. These helpers will magically paint flowers, dust off butterflies, restitch the sunny sky to the green farmland, and embroider the Milky Way into the dark night sky so tomorrow will be a beautiful place to wake up to once again.
"While You Sleep" is a fantastic bedtime choice that every child will embrace just before drifting off to Dreamland. I highly, highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2022
Absolutely STUNNING art! This is a sweet bedtime book encouraging a young girl to go to sleep while the world renews itself in fun ways--the grass is combed, clouds are stuffed, rainbows are charged, etc. It's all presented in gentle, soothing rhyme to help little ones wind down.
But, cute as the text is, the collage art is just amazing and captivating. The pages burst with life and detail and adorable animals. The images are so gorgeous I found myself going back through the book a couple of times just to admire them. This would be an awesome book to incorporate into the nightly routine and will be well-loved by kids and adult readers alike!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
But, cute as the text is, the collage art is just amazing and captivating. The pages burst with life and detail and adorable animals. The images are so gorgeous I found myself going back through the book a couple of times just to admire them. This would be an awesome book to incorporate into the nightly routine and will be well-loved by kids and adult readers alike!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
October 12, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Pajama Press through NetGalley.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The illustrations alone make this book special. The fabrics used provide a 3-D effect as readers follow this story of what happens while the child sleeps. All of the "night-helpers" do their part to repair and enhance the world so it is ready for the next day. The child's job is to sleep and dream and appreciate all the world has to offer. The rhyming text makes this book a perfect bedtime read; the gentle tone will calm readers. Studying the pictures reveals so many surprises as they see everything get cleaned up for the next day. I wish we could touch the actual textures used to create these pictures.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The illustrations alone make this book special. The fabrics used provide a 3-D effect as readers follow this story of what happens while the child sleeps. All of the "night-helpers" do their part to repair and enhance the world so it is ready for the next day. The child's job is to sleep and dream and appreciate all the world has to offer. The rhyming text makes this book a perfect bedtime read; the gentle tone will calm readers. Studying the pictures reveals so many surprises as they see everything get cleaned up for the next day. I wish we could touch the actual textures used to create these pictures.
February 16, 2023
Miki Sato's collage illustrations combine "paper, textiles, and embroidery silk" -- love the fabric in the illustrations and the 3 dimensional effect. The rabbits are so soft . . . a very tactile quality to this book.
"The sky re-stiched to the land below,
Rainbows charged to keep their glow"
Illustrations show actual sticthing across the landscape -- so cool!
"The woven night of black and gray
Emrobidered with a Milky Way."
with sparkly, embroidered illustration paralleling the text.
Author & illustrator are from Canada.
"The sky re-stiched to the land below,
Rainbows charged to keep their glow"
Illustrations show actual sticthing across the landscape -- so cool!
"The woven night of black and gray
Emrobidered with a Milky Way."
with sparkly, embroidered illustration paralleling the text.
Author & illustrator are from Canada.
October 7, 2023
Very conflicted review. I think that the art style at the beginning is lackluster, but as it goes on and uses these different materials it really blossoms into something beautiful. But then at the end we go back to these lackluster collaged illustrations. I think comparing this book to Thankful by Elaine Vickers and Our Favorite Day by Jonwoon Oh is what I mean by lackluster.
As for the text, there were some parts I loved like polishing the sun and mending the sky and all that, but I thought that other parts were confusing and not clear for children.
As for the text, there were some parts I loved like polishing the sun and mending the sky and all that, but I thought that other parts were confusing and not clear for children.
October 9, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
This may be the most beautifully written and imaginative children's book I have read so far. It's pure and relaxing, the exact thing you want to read to your children before bed or nap time.
The images brought me back to childhood and series of French books I adored.
I feel as though your children and you will love reading this book together and looking at lovely hand made images
This may be the most beautifully written and imaginative children's book I have read so far. It's pure and relaxing, the exact thing you want to read to your children before bed or nap time.
The images brought me back to childhood and series of French books I adored.
I feel as though your children and you will love reading this book together and looking at lovely hand made images
January 15, 2023
Detailed and rather realistic collage art that includes fabrics for texture and bright, but often blurred. colors create a dreamy rhymed bedtime story inside a story. While the child sleeps, the story goes, rabbits are busy setting the world to rights again. They polish the sun, add a dot on each black-eyed pea, and dust the butterflies to keep them flying, among other things. And the child's chore? To love the world.
September 22, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Pajama Press for a free digital copy.
With fun and unique collage art this book depicts the chores that happen after children are asleep to keep their world a special place. Examples are adding bubbles to the ocean or embroidering the stars. A creative piece of literary art.
With fun and unique collage art this book depicts the chores that happen after children are asleep to keep their world a special place. Examples are adding bubbles to the ocean or embroidering the stars. A creative piece of literary art.
September 25, 2022
The illustration of this book is so beautiful! I absolutely love it and the author uses rhyming which always sounds soothing to my children. I love how the story talks about how there are night helpers to help the day come to end and start night time. It’s quite magical and comforting. This book is beautifully done and it’s a book I’d buy right away for my kids.
November 30, 2022
I liked the rhymes thoughout this book. I thought it was sweet, I think it is meant to be a dream.
I really love the artwork, I could stare at each page for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I really love the artwork, I could stare at each page for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
December 22, 2022
Very sweet bedtime story. Sato's illustrations are paper collage and textiles adding a depth to the pictures that are also cozy and warm. The art is the standout and sets it apart from other picture book bedtime stories.
August 16, 2023
ARC REVIEW - * read to my retired service dog
Just a refreshing little book, we loved how the words flowed and rhymed. The pictures we so well don’t to depict the words. Kennedy was a little upset it was short read but loved all the things about the story. So he said 4 paws today.
Just a refreshing little book, we loved how the words flowed and rhymed. The pictures we so well don’t to depict the words. Kennedy was a little upset it was short read but loved all the things about the story. So he said 4 paws today.
July 1, 2022
This is a such a wonderful and whimsical story! It definitely keeps imagination alive.
The illustrations are amazing, and definitely something you don't see often in a story book.
The illustrations are amazing, and definitely something you don't see often in a story book.
November 1, 2022
Sweet and lyrical lullaby matched perfectly with artwork that surprises with every new reading. A great picture book to comfort a child to sleep. Sure to be a classic.
December 17, 2022
This whimsical picture book imagines all the things that happen out in the world as a child sleeps, and the sewn and embroidered illustrations are a lovely, stand-out element.
December 20, 2022
Lovely book for bedtime. Beautiful illustrations
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January 5, 2023So sweet, and the collage art style makes it really magical.
January 5, 2023
Loved story and collage illustrations were awesome.
January 6, 2023
Beautifully illustrated book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews