By the Dawn's Early Light

by Karen Ackerman, Catherine Stock (Illustrator)

In gentle prose and warm, appealing pictures the author and the illustrator present a story that is a familiar one in many families. Mom leaves for work just as Rachel and her younger brother, Josh, are helping their grandmother set the table for dinner. Sometimes, Rachel hears Mom come home. She wakes Josh and they go downstairs to share quiet time. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a mother who has to work third shift and her children who find a way to accept that this is the life her mother lives.

[Jonathan Cavazos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I got 3 pages in and my nieces decided to run off to do another activity when I was reading it to them.

[Roberto Galindo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice quick story, culturally relevant for kids. Very nice drawings.

[Megan Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Dawn's Early Light describes two children's frustrations with their mom's work schedule and how it affects her time with them. Mom works the night shift at a factory, so the only time she really gets to spend time with them is early in the morning. The illustration are soft and warm, and it really enhances the story that Karen Ackerman is telling. Part of the story describes the mother's night, including her midnight coffee and card breaks with friends. Meanwhile, her children are being put to bed by their grandmother. The most touching part of the story is when mom comes home, and her children sneak downstairs to spend quiet time with her. This story would be great for students whose parents might have to work two or even three jobs with crazy jobs to support the family. It is also great for demonstrating how even in the same book, two stories with different settings can be told at once.

[Roshunda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book mom leaves for work just as the children and grandma are setting the table for dinner. By the time the children are finished with dinner Mom is at the factory working. The children sleep while mom is working. Early in the morning the children her Mom come home. The come down stairs to spend quality time with their mother. This book shows that even though some parents work while most people are sleeping families can still find quality to spend together. This book also shows the important role that grandmothers play in the African American culture. Though the single mom works at night the children still get the support of an extra guardian who loves and care for them deeply. This book can be used in the classroom do discuss the diversity of families. Students can discuss different roles that each family member plays.

[Rebekah Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book talked about family. This family was special in a way where the children wake up early to spend time with their mom. It is show how some families have to live. I liked the book.

[Stephanie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings out the reality of many families. Many parents have to work 3rd shift to earn a living for their families. This can mean that children are raised by their grandparents. This can be difficult for children. This book is a good reminder to realize where students come from.

[Mekia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about children who understand that their mother has to work late at night to take care of them. No matter what time she comes home, they still want to spend time with her!