Too Early

Abrams Kids

Written by Nora Ericson

Illustrated by Elly MacKay

2022

Buy the Book

Author Nora Ericson and illustrator Elly MacKay’s Too Early is a gentle, cozy picture book story following a family’s bleary-eyed wake-up routine, a little one who’s eager to start the day, and the quiet magic of early mornings.

I wake up very early.
Good morning, Sun, on your way at last. You don’t wake up nearly as early as I do.

Now the wind is waking.
Tickle tickle on my cheeks,
rustle rustle through the leaves.

Birds untuck and start to coo,
Whooo whooo, you wake up too early, yes you doooo . . .

In sweet, melodic verse written from the perspective of the earliest riser, Too Earlyfollows a family’s morning routine, exploring both the groggy haze and the everyday magic inherent in the predawn hours of a loving household.

BOOK AWARDS

**Awarded - ALA NOTABLE BOOK 2023

**Awarded - Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature 2024

*Honor book - Margaret Wise Brown Award 2023

Starred Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Cozy, sumptuous, and stirring—the perfect way to greet the dawn.―Kirkus Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Images of the closely cuddled duo make it clear that though the father grumbles ('You sure do wake up early'), sunrise and a shooting star—and fleeting one-on-one time—represent a gift in the ordinary moments before a day’s 'rush rush.'" ―Publishers Weekly

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The wonderful and familiar details, such as the hallway night light, the half-dozing/half-awake shuffle of the father before the coffee kicks in, and the doggies doing their morning upward and downward stretches, bring the morning to life." ―School Library Journal

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Perfectly capturing the magical essence of this liminal time of the day. Fellow early risers may be inspired to sit out on the porch with a warm mug of milk."―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books