★ "Visual beauty plus the beauty of closeness in sad times. Cuddle close for this one." Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
A red fox and a gray dormouse joyfully play in their forest home as the season begins to change from fall to winter. Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story, knowing they will be together again in the spring.This gentle friendship story is the perfect allegory for the bedtime ritual. And the reassuring message is clear: "I will be there for you when you wake."

Giorgio Volpe has a degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Rome where his thesis focused on children's theater. In 2014 he founded a theater company which has produced several plays he has written. To his credits as an actor and playwright, he adds children's book author. He has written collaborated with Paolo Proietti on several titles. Before We Sleep is his first book to be published in English. Paolo Proietti, a Rome native, studied graphics and visual communication at the International School of Comics in Rome. He developed a passion for children's books and in 2016 won the prestigious Scarpetta d 'oro Award for illustration. Since then, he has focused on picture books and has published several including those in collaboration with author Giorgio Volpe. Translator Angus Yuen-Killick is the founder and publisher of Red Comet Press. Originally from the UK, he lived in Rome in the 1980s. He now lives and works in brownstone Brooklyn, NY.