Where the Sunrise Begins

Gr 2-5 This soothing exploration of sunrise asks readers to consider the exact origin of the daily event. The text suggests many locations as the spot where the sunrise first appears (mountain, lake, the Middle East), but concludes, "The sunrise begins in you." The pacing evokes the early-morning glow of first light, alternating between poetic blocks of text and repetitive prompts ("But Africa is not where the sunrise begins."). The collaboration of author and illustrator is near perfection as the text and artwork build on one another. The alternating pattern of the narrative is reflected in images that often show a close perspective and then draw back on the following page. Colors go beyond the expected rose hues, and each misty scene is like a jewel. Clever details such as the similarity of a rooster's eye to a planet in space and the silhouette of a family shown in a butterfly's wing add to the continuity. Like a treasure for those with the patience to find it, this beautiful story will capture the attention of thoughtful children."Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.