While You Are Sleeping

While You Are Sleeping by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I've learned anything from my time working with children's literature, it's that there's something to be said for wordless picture books (silent books). They're accessible to children of all ages and speakers of any language, and because different things stand out during each read, the story is stays fresh. The ability to tell a story with illustration alone is not a skill all authors/illustrators have, so it's a treat to see it done well.

Mariana Ruiz Johnson's While You Are Sleeping is an example of wonderful storytelling through imagery. She helps children imagine what goes on in the world right outside their windows while they sleep - and it's a world many parents will recognize as neighbors walk their dogs, go out for dinner, have a glass of wine before bed, and pursue hobbies late into the night. Of course, adventures await the later it gets, but when morning comes, we're back and safely tucked in bed, ready to face the day (and ready to read the book again and again).


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