Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky

The art in this book was so whimsical and stunning. Loved the art, that's for sure. Wish the writing on the book was more readable though because the art work was just popping to the front.

Dreaming amidst "Sunflowers Rising in a Midnight Sky", spinning shimmery snowflakes, and witnessing fireworks light up the heavens' floor, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" sweeps young readers into a world of enchantment. This delightful children's book, adorned with engaging, colorful illustrations, sparks imagination effortlessly. Its pages are a canvas of whimsy, inviting children on an adventure where imagination knows no bounds. An essential addition to any classroom or library, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is a treasure trove of magic, inspiring young minds to dream, create, and explore the wonders of their imagination.

This is such a cool book and the illustrations are absolutely stunning. The writing style is poetic/lyrical but unfortunately I didn't get the point of it but still can enjoy the overall book.

The illustrations in this book are amazing. They are beautiful and tell a story all their own. I found myself studying the artwork looking for all the littlest details. The writing is cute, but a little disjointed. I wish the prose flowed a little better, but this was still a sweet book that me and my toddler enjoyed.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning! I also liked the whimsical ideas and would have loved a longer version. My one criticism is that on certain pages some of the text isn't easy to read, due to the limited contrast between the colour of the text and that of the background.

The illustrations were so incredibly unique and the color scheme on each page was so beautiful to look at. Sometimes the actual words of the story are hard to find and I especially can see where an issue could arise for someone who has some colorblindness due to a lack of contrast and the size of the actual font. Additionally, I also lost the rhythm of the poem a few times and I’m not sure how much if the actual story i fully understood, but the art alone would at least have me borrowing it from a local library to read to my nephew.

A poetic story with magnificent artwork to accompany it.
I found myself stuff looking for all the details in each image even after reading the text on each page.

Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss through the nonsense style of writing. And the stunning illustrations made this an enjoyable read. Unfortunately I'm not sure if I got the point but I still enjoyed this book greatly. I loved the fantasy dreamworld idea, and the Dr. Seuss vibes.

Beautiful illustrations. The unique text layout of the book felt distracting and difficult to read without physically moving the book (in this case, the screen) back and forth, which is not what my kids need in a bedtime book. The book mostly rhymes, and felt off-kilter when it didn't.

'What if when night falls, dreams come true?'

This was such a poetic book, taking the reader in the realms of dreams and imagination. It was so poetic, the sentences being filled with a beautiful imagery and carefully-chosen words.

And the illustrations! They were all such a delight to look at! They are so full of colours and magic that there is no doubt any reader could get lost in them...!

This book is truly beautiful, and defenitely one that will do wonders as a bedtime read. Because who knows, your dreams might come true once you've closed your eyes?

This is one of those artistic, poetry children's books and I loved it! The illustrations are breathtaking and my son (7) loved them just as much as me. I love reading books like this to my son because it shows that there are many ways to tell stories, and it doesn't always have to be a linear narrative. It was also great to read this after learning a little about poetry (which we were doing earlier in the day) because I was able to point out some of the techniques used (alliteration, calligram, etc.)

A book to read and read and read before bedtime. This book takes you on a dreamy journey. The story or poem tells you what might happen when you’re sleeping. A magical picturebook. That encourages the use of your imagination.

The illustrations are colorful and stunning. Each page sketches a world of its own and gives plenty of room to talk about the story and pictures. When you look at close you can recognize all kind of different art techniques, looking at this picture book makes me want to paint, and I’ll guess this book will make a great fit in art class or during craft moments.

Looking forward to a dutch translation of this book already.

I would like to thank NetGalley, for providing an advanced readers copy of this book in return for my honest review

This is not a book just for children, but also a wonderful experience for the adults. The pristine yet messy lines, the vibrant colors and the spluttering images create amazing images that will have your eyes linger over the contours for hours. For those with a penchant for whimsical illustrations, this is definitely a must have.

In terms of the text, this was more of a poem with a story. The words were easy to follow and I’m sure children will like it too.

What bothered me was that the text (font) didn’t blend in with the illustrations at all. I wish the publishing team (author, illustrator, editor, etc) would have gone for a more integrated experience. There are also instances where the color contrast is a little weak.

Overall, this is a nice experience and I’m definitely interested in more works from the illustrator.
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you for the ARC @empyreanpress and @netgalley! This is a wonderful story about the way the world would look if our dreams came true. The art of the book is really beautiful. This would be a great mentor text for poetry or making mental images. It would also be fun to have students write poetry about their own dreams and create matching artwork.

Thank you for this ARC! Both the illustrations and the text in this book are beautiful. It is a book about fantastic dreams. Each page turned was a new exciting idea and flooded with gorgeous art. Highly recommend for the dreamers!

Beautifully worded and illustrated children’s book. Whimsical, ethereal, and dreamy…a perfect bedtime story. This is a book that I would pick from the library to read to my children.

"Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" by Avery Davis is a visually stunning digital arc that showcases a delightful play of vibrant colors and imaginative textures. The artwork in this book takes a wonderfully abstract and expressive approach, capturing the essence of a dreamscape where imagination takes the forefront.

The use of bold, vivid colors is particularly striking, bringing each page to life with an energy that leaps off the screen. Davis's unique artistic style blends whimsical elements with a depth that invites the viewer to delve deeper into each image.

The texture work in the book is another standout feature, adding layers of intrigue to the already captivating visuals. It's not just about the visual appeal; these textures create an almost tactile experience, making the digital pages feel interactive and alive.

Overall, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is a testament to Avery Davis's creative prowess, offering a feast for the senses with its abstract beauty and emotive color palette. This book is a delightful escape into a world of color and imagination, perfect for anyone seeking a unique and visually stunning reading experience.

The artwork on this book is amazing and beautiful. I wanted to read it for that alone. The book was a great read with fantastic pictures.

Tang Wei, you are hands down my favourite storybook illustrator now!

This storybook is a celebration of colours and art. I am so sure this book will awaken the artist in you once you start reading it.

Kudos to the author for such amazing writing despite using limited words.

The whole book seems like a perfect beautiful dream becoming alive.

Thank you, Empyrean Press, for the advance reading copy.

This book is so dreamy! The visuals are absolutely immaculate. The overall vibe of the book is very wonderland-esque. The colors and arts are so gorgeous. Posters can be made of them, they're stunning.

Normally poetry isn't my thing, but the illustrations in this book sucked me right in. The whimsical drawings on the cover peeked my curiosity - you could tell the artist put real creativity into each piece.

Flipping through, I was impressed by the skill and detail paid to every scene. The pictures truly brought the words to life in an imaginative way. Even if the poems themselves weren't always my style, I could appreciate the passion behind each depiction.

While the intended audience wasn't exactly obvious, I still found things to appreciate within its pages despite likely skewing younger than intended. The illustrations alone kept me engaged even if all the poetry didn't resonate. Sometimes taking a chance outside your regular tastes can uncover something new; I'm always up for discovering fresh creative talents.

This book has beautiful illustrations. It's great for dreamers and those with beautiful imaginations.

The illustrations in this book are vibrant and magical. The whole book is a fanciful dream. My biggest criticism is the book lacks a plot- it’s just a collection of fantastical imagery. It’s a feast for the eyes, colorful and beautiful.

I feel totally mixed about this. I really liked the illustrations. They're all-consuming. Every time you look, you'll see a detail you've missed previously. I loved how bright and bold the colours were. I found the text disappointing though. It didn't flow or seem to match the pictures. It felt stilted and a bit like the author had tried to rhyme something and then given up. I couldn't see any pattern in the text that lasted longer than a few lines and it felt clumsy. At first, I wondered whether it was originally written in another language and had been really badly translated. I also found the text difficult to read on the page, as it is so small that it doesn't stand out against the colour behind it. I love the idea though and the illustrations and would be interested to see how it would look as a hard copy.

I had very high hopes for this book, and the cover left me in awe. The illustrations were a high point. The story was very imaginative but I felt it getting repetitive after a while and would have benefited from having more of a plot line. This is a wonderful book for provoking imagination and wonder in children, and would even serve as a great conversation starter where you could read this book with your child and then ask them what they dream about and what they wish could come true from their imagination. The text was difficult to see on most of the pages, and I missed some of the lines of text and had to re-read. The unconventional placement of the text gives the book an extra dream-like quality but with the font/color/size of the text, it made it more difficult to see.

Avery I wanted to give the you a real response for my critique. I was so excited from the title of this book. Your cover image is very inviting. The first 3 pages I was really interested and excited to read -The rainbows and plane landed in the clouds. Then it seemed that each page felt more and more disconnected. The illustrations where interesting. But the page where I had to tilt my head sideways to read the text you lost me. I think if the text was a little easier to read and the story connected and had flow to it like the first 3 pages I would of bought 20+ copies. Avery I think you have created something beautiful and I look forward to seeing your future books.

Thank you Empyrean Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this cute short bedtime read about our dreams.

Since I was young I always pretended my dreams were a gateway into possibility. When I was younger sometimes I would think when I would dream of someone they were really sharing that dream too.

I think this is a beautiful (every page artistically completed) idea to share with my Littles especially just before they lay down their heads.

Beautiful and imaginative children's book. Whimsical and dreamy with gorgeous illustrations. Great bedtime story because it is calming and may inspire beautiful dreams for adults and kids alike.

‘The hands of time stop after a billion ticks.
The world’s largest lollipop is gone in a billion licks.’

This book is absolutely stunning. I really am just blown away by the artwork. It reminds me of ‘The Rainbow Fish’ with how it’s a blend of paints and metallics. I loved each page’s designs and would definitely recommend getting a physical copy if you can. I only got the ebook and I now want to pick up a physical copy in the future because the pictures are just so lovely.

The font is a little bit hard to read at times due to size/colour, but it’s a nice style, so perhaps it’s an ebook thing and it’ll be more clear in a physical copy. (But this was only very minor and I did read it on my laptop.)

I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this author and illustrator in the future!

Enjoyed this colorful, beautiful story. It was different and something I believe children would really like. A cute book to introduce kids to poetry. The art was eye catching and made me enjoy the book even more.

Thanks to NetGalley and Empyrean Press. I received this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. For context, I am a former middle school English teacher with about half a k-12 library masters.

This is a gorgeous trip--a bit like The Magical Mystery Tour or Strawberry Fields meets Dr. Seuss. It's an aesthetic I'd call soporific psychedelia. Parents who know Moshi Kids and "Close Your Eyes SleepyPaws" from the Calm App or YouTube will know what I mean. The art is fabulous and reminds me of The Rainbow Fish and Gustav Klimt a bit.

The basic conceit is to poetically showcase the possibilities that might happen at night while we sleep, such as sunflowers rising in the midnight sky, as posited by the evocative title. Some of the descriptive language really grabbed me, with phrases like "A sand-dollar is traded for a polka-dot rose" that seem at once both mysterious and yet familiar.

However, the meter didn't quite work for me a few times, particularly when there was one line on a page juxtaposed with a couplet on the next. Even in the couplets, the syllables and stress didn't always flow quite right. The vaguely religious allusions to angels and heaven might not work for all families, but I found them harmless.

While the poetry and art work beautifully together, I do think that some design choices impeded readability for the target audience. I think the font is tiny and too hidden on page 8 (the "stairways from heaven..." page) and too light for the background on 14 and 15 ("Trees dance..." through "...beginning his tricks.") Throughout the book, a larger font size with stronger contrast would help the little child or the tired parent at bedtime read more easily.

Those are minor notes. Overall, this is a lovely, lyrical tale especially suited for bedtime and for, as Kermit the Frog might say, "the lovers, the dreamers, and me." I would recommend adding it to a child's bedtime rotation for sure.

This picture book is a credit to the talent of the illustrator, Tang Wei. They were beautiful, whimsical, and moving! If this book was solely the illustrations, it would be a five star book. Where the book lacks is in the poetry and accessibility of the text. I am unsure of who the book is marketed to based on the content of the book. A big miss is where the text is placed and the font/font size that is used. It is clear that the illustrations are the heart of the book as the text is easy to miss and not entirely compelling as poetry.

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Amazing illustration helps you to see exactly what the poetry of this book conveys. A definite must read for anyone who dreams and imagination run wild with possibilities.

I really enjoyed the illustrations. The use of lace, netting, and sequins adding texture appealed to me as a seamstress. I also liked the other collage aspects. The colors were dreamy and the imagery really illustrated the text. Sadly, the text didn't appeal to me and didn't tell a story.

I loved the beautiful illustrations and all the colourful dimensions displayed on the pages. The writing was good too but I found it hard to read where the sentences were placed on some of the pages and it just didn’t make sense to add the writing to those specific places. Other than that, this was a good read full of imaginative concepts.

Fabulous mixed media art - I really loved all the illustrations! The story was ok, so it was the illustrations that make this book so lovely.

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky
by Avery Davis
Beautifully illustrated, the pictures connect to the poetic text. The inspiration is the creativity of the book. The artist uses various types of artistic expression to show the meaning of the text. Students can find connections with the artwork, and poetic imagery.

Reminded me of reading Dr. Seuss as a kid. Incredible imagery, and a perfect quick morning read to step into creativity and magic as an adult, but I imagine it would be a great read for kids before bed.

Small text, that was sometimes hard to find on the page, and would have loved a little more of a story line, but for under 40 pages it is adorable and would definitely reopen it just to look at the artwork.

I've been looking for some good children's poetry books, and this definitely meets my expectations. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and whimsical. They definitely draw your attention, and there is a lot to sit and look at. The poetry is fun and whimsical, too. I really enjoyed reading this. This is definitely a children's book that will inspire imagination and creativity. 
My only issue with this was the layout of the writing. I totally understand why it is the way it is. It matches the whimsical theme of the illustration and poetry. It fits. The issue is that people with dyslexia or other learning disabilities may have trouble reading and understanding it. So while I understand why some of the words are in the layout that way, it doesn't make it very accessible for all.
Even with that being said, this is a very enjoyable children's poetry book. I would definitely get a physical copy of it when it is released.

This is one of the most gorgeous children’s books I have ever read. The poetry of the words mixed with the most beautiful and imaginative illustrations make for a truly magical read. This book will spark creativity in all who read it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This poetry collection was such a fun and thoughtful read. I loved the colors of these illustrations, and how vibrant and artistic it was. It felt so different from other poetry books I’ve read before. I loved how each poem was unique and special on its own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

This was certainly a beautiful book to look at, but I felt as if there was no story line. But if it is to be read as a bedtime book, perhaps it doesn't need one. Maybe it's just the adult in me. I thank NetGalley and Emprean Press for the advance read.

I loved the gorgeous illustrations of this book, but I disliked the nonsensical writing. I understood that the author was going for fantastic world of imagination. However, it was too random for my taste.

That said, I will be looking for more books from this illustrator because the art was beautiful.

Gorgeous illustrations that felt like a blend of Eric Carle and the Rainbow fish. I didn’t love the way the words flowed when reading. I won’t be reading this to my son.

A soothing read that I loved sharing with my son! The colors and shapes blend together to bring the words to life, creating a book full of sweetness and poetry. As an English teacher in France, I'm even thinking of studying an extract in class with my students. Thank you for this wonderful discovery!

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a work of art. To be honest, poetry isn't really my thing but I love these images so so much!
It wasn't always easy to find the phrases among the art. If this was intended, then it worked really well, but there were many pages were I had to search for the text.

Avery Davis' "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" has enchanting illustrations that propel readers through the book. Even though the poems weren't quite my style. The art made the book highly enjoyable.
Digital copy provided by NetGalley!

Imaginative and pretty! I so enjoyed the deep shades of blue/turquoise/cerulean/ and shades of purple and green too. I almost feel that it didn't need the text, or perhaps there could be a visual element to separate text from image, because the images were so dynamic. Overall, an enjoyable experience.

This book is absolutely beautiful. The illustrations and writing capture to magic and beauty of where imagination can lead. I loved every page, and will certainly add this to our bedtime story rotation. This will be an excellent book to gift others as well. I may have a new favorite children’s book. I love that the author has a background in environmental law too!

This book has a wealth of possibility to use in the classroom and when creating curriculum. A clear conversation starter, to promote student imagination and finding ways to promote the idea of the impossible becoming possible. The greatest treasure trove here is the illustrations, where so much can be discussed, and used as inspiration. Discussions here can include collage, color, layering, multi-media usage, layering, depth and so much more. From a literacy standpoint, this is a great book to use for inference as many illustrations do not simply depict the words, but force the reader to infer and search the creativity. I can see myself using each page in isolation, after giving the initial premise of the book, "What if when night falls, dreams come true?" I imagine breaking it up so the primary element of the book does not become the rhyming structure, but rather the use if imagination and creativity. I look forward to using this book across many ages - each with a different layer of meaning and focus.

Whimsical lyrics with abstract, whimsical illustrations make this a gorgeous experience. This is ideal for a book to read at bedtime. So much imagination!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This is a really beautiful book. The illustrations are stunning. One to treasure. It explores the nature of dreams, quite an abstract concept to tackle but the format with the expressive pictures really helps it along. A great read for bed time.

I enjoyed this story with the whimsical illustrations and wonder art which lifts right off each page! My children and I read this prior to bed and was one they truly enjoyed. "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is magical, creative, and allows one to use their imagination.

Thank you to NetGalley and Empyrean Press for providing me the opportunity to review "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" prior to publication. I am appreciative and leave my review voluntarily.

This books brings us (kids) to discover the beautiful of the culture. Like “what if tulips bloom by the fullmoon, drinking up the light until the next day at noon”, with an image paint on the tulips when its light up to the moon. Can you imagine that?

“Books open and read themselves loud,” i can imagine how wonderful this world have if this is the real thing! Pleae, read aloud with your kids during the bedtime story. Definitely your kids will have such a good dream after imagining what had they read before sleep.

ARC reader for NetGalley

My little thoroughly enjoyed the very imaginative, nonsensical prose. Beautiful multimedia collage artwork throughout. Great bedtime story for sweet dreams.

➺ 𝟯.𝟳𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀

“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲?”

The illustrations in this book look right out of a childhood dream! exactly what the whole theme of the book is; and they match it perfectly. they immerse you in this chaotic dreamland the artist has created which is lovely. it’s vibrant yet so gentle and beautiful that it can easily attract anyone of any age.
As for the content I’m not sure. It has a beautiful idea behind it but I felt the poems weren’t catchy enough. But since I’m not an expert in children’s books I could be wrong about that, this’s only a personal opinion.
The chosen design for the poem’s placing was interesting but they were a bit hard to read at times because of their color and size, which I hope is reconsidered in the released version of the book.


•Thanks to 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 and the publisher for providing this digital copy•

The illustrations in this picture book were extremely colorful, which helped to draw in the interest of the reader. However, I feel as if the illistrations and text itself beacame the book's downfall. As I was reading, I would find that the words would get lost in the illustrations, and the text in different directions made it more difficult to read. The poetry that was written was well done, but I feel as if the story could have had more to carry on.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

i think this book was absolutely beautiful, the art was so pretty and i think the story was very cute! i would have loved it as a kid.

This was a beautiful picture book. I love how detailed this fictional world was. The pictures certainly got my attention and I found myself more focused on the details rather than the words.

What a beautiful book. I fell in love with the artwork. There is so much to see throughout these pages. I can see a child turning the pages in all directions to see everything. The prose were interesting but as an educator, I see so much opportunity for discussion in this story. The author used so many wonderfully descriptive and new words. She had alliteration and used a variety of figurative language. I actually enjoyed the text roaming throughout the pages. It gave a completely different perspective of the book and you look at the art from another viewpoint.
Thank you to #netgalley and #empyreanpress for the opportunity to read an advance copy of the story

A gentle and lyrical book that is so calming to read with little ones and beautiful to look at. The language is American English so some references aren't the same in the UK but this is a small point. The wording of this book is so dreamlike and magical, conjuring beautiful images which are then represented on the page with colourful artwork.

Stunning! Great conversation starters for dreams. The art is so pretty and there is so much going on that it would make an excellent bedtime book. I loved it.

5 stars

This boon brought a smile to my face. Beautifully illustrated. What a wonderful story book for children and adults.

Avery’s story is both beautiful and whimsical. I can certainly see how this would be a great addition to children’s bedtime stories. The creativity in Avery’s storyline is clear, and I think will provoke children to be open to endless possibilities, and to spark their own imagination and creativity.

Tang’s artwork is stunning. She has such a unique style of illustration, that truly complemented Avery’s story.

Adored this, and would highly recommend to those looking for bedtime stories for their children!

What if everything you've ever seen in a dream was really happening? This book explores myriad twists and turns of the imagination, each page embellished with fantastical art reminiscent of a dreamscape. There isn't a strong plot, but this book definitely feels like the sort of thing one would read aloud in a whisper while waiting for sleep.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

My children absolutely loved this book. The colors and illustrations are so calming and magical. I really loved how lyrical the story was. My kids have asked for this book several times in the last few days! I cannot wait to get a copy for us to have in the house.

The story itself is a bit disjointed. I know it's a collection of imaginary items but I think it may have benefited from stronger lyricism that would match with the illustrations. Rhyming is often whimsical and that's definitely the type of prose the author should have aimed for.

I give the writing itself 2/5 star but the illustrations are 5/5. Tang Wei is simply an amazing artist.

I did not care one way or the other for the text part but the artwork was absolutely stunning, full of rich colors and textures.

This book is the perfect bedtime story to send kids off to a dream world where anything is possible! The descriptive tale conjures up imagery that is so enchanting and whimsical! This story makes adults want to abandon all seriousness and join their kids in imagining that anything is possible in the dream world Avery Davis has created. The illustrations are fabulous as well and only enhance each moment of the story. I highly recommend this book!

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨, 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬.”

I’m a huge poetry reader, and I already read some poetry books with a little illustration here and there.
But this??? Wow. This was art!!
I fell in love with every single page, no joke.

Will I buy the physical copy just for the illustration? Yes, yes and yes!

This is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book. The pictures suck you right in and the whimsical poetry will keep you turning the pages. Every once in a while you get a book where the story and the illustrations just mesh together to create this beautiful piece of art, this book does all of that.

I was completely drawn to the illustration. It seemed vivid, almost as if I find myself in a dream. It complements well with the author's language, where it invites you to visit an enchanting and whimsical land. The text was a bit unreadable (maybe because the text colour is almost the same with the background colour) but still, it's a wonderful bedtime story to get lost into.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a strange book because it's like it's written/designed for adults. There is no plot, the text is small and hard to read against the artistic background, and the text itself is very abstract. I find the art absolutely exquisite and the writing IS lyrical and beautiful. I like reading it myself but I just don't think this would be popular with kids. If I did recommend it for any kids, it would be mature older ones. Or it might be good for an art teacher to use for a lesson about collages and multimedia art.

Beautifully illustrated, whimsical and imaginative book to carry you away to a wonderland. Highly recommend! A fabulous addition to a school or personal children’s library.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The art is beautiful. If you have a kid starting to learn to read, the angles of the text can be hard to read. Some of the words are a little harder to read on some pages due to lack of color contrasts. It’s is a delightful read that gets the imagination going!

The story was deeply moving, and I am confident that the illustrations will captivate children. However, I personally did not find the drawings to my liking.

Thank you for the chance to review this book. The illustrations are some of the most beautiful I have seen in a children’s book. The words do not seem to fit. There is no plot to the book.

This is a beautifully illustrated book! Both the children and parents can easily get lost in each page, with so much to take it. The story, combined with the illustrations, is a great opener for conversations about dreams and imagination. And seriously, it's just so pretty to look at.

Thanks to NetGalley and Empyrean Press for the eARC!

Review copy provided by NetGalley

The artwork in this book is absolutely gorgeous. Tang Wei captures this very specific feeling I remember having as a kid the first time I went to a museum and saw art that was made for me to enjoy then and there. She captures such beautiful ethereal whimsy, and her construction can be viewed so abstractly or concretely depending on how you interpret each page. It absolutely brought me back to childhood.

The writing can be a bit jarring and stilted at times, though I feel it still mimics/invokes the flow of dreams very well. It just makes it harder to get into a flow while reading it, especially aloud, as the rhythm can be stop and go.

What a fun book! I love the way this book was written. This is a great book for a kid with a great imagination. The pictures were wonderful!

This storybook is beautiful and has a wonderful lesson to share. It's filled with such artistic works that span across pages. As a visual designer, I found a few pages harder to read than others, which gave me some concerns about the accessibility of this storybook for other people with lived experiences.

Overall, the story and message it conveys work well with the intricate art. It's a treat for the eyes. This would be a storybook I buy for my younger family members or friends who have children.

I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book to experience the beautiful images all over again. The words flowed magically from one page to the next and the vibrant colors are what dreams are made of. "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is the perfect bedtime story that will be enjoyed by both children and adults as the illustrations and whimsical ease of words will move the imagination in and out of a peaceful dreamscape. This was definitely a treat to read.

This is an instant buy for us! The concept of dreams coming to life is awesome and the art is so beautiful and fun that it led my kids to add their own imaginative ideas throughout. Loved it!

4.4 ⭐️
Colorful. Imaginative. Storytime.

This whimsical and poetic book really sets the imagination on fire. The illustrations lead the way for the book and are SO CREATIVE and beautiful to look at. Some are frame-worthy! That was by-far my favorite aspect of the book.

The lyrics were were uniquely spirited and aligned well with the art.

“Dusk inks the sky. Tulips bloom by the full moon, drinking up the light, until next day at noon.”

This seems like a perfect next step up after the classic favorite “Goodnight Moon,” as it’s more poetic and the book is a lot longer.

👦🏻 This book is perfect for 4-6.

🥹 The downsides: It’s long compared to many bedtime stories. It took me 3 minutes to read aloud, without stopping to appreciate the pages or reflect on the message. The rhythm of the poetry wasn’t my style. It irked me at times because some parts had good flow and rhyming and others didn’t.

🖼️ Some of the pages are frame-worthy. Would be so cute on the wall in a pretty frame.

Thank you to NetGalley, Empyrean Press, and Avery Davis for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Whimsical and vibrant, this picture story book is night time/need time story book which kids will love because how dreamy it looks. The dreamy illustrations are beyond beautiful and amazing to look at.

The imagination is running wild and amoke and it is better that way because that's how kid's imagination goes.

Thank you Netgalley and empyrean press for this beautiful ARC in exchange of an honest review.

The artwork is absolutely beautiful! I loved looking at the different scenes, trying to take it all in. It was fantastical and lovely to read. I enjoyed each page, and I loved the cadence of the books. I did have some trouble trying to follow it, but it was more of a fantasy poem. Adorable.

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a beautifully illustrated, imaginative children's book that ultimately falls short of its cover. The paintings are truly beautiful, mixing impressionism with an element of psychedelia. There is also plenty of beautiful dream imagery. My only objection is that the book paints an overly whimsical vision of the dream world and might have been better served if it had included a bit of not too scary darkness.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I cannot get over the beauty of this book. The texture of the art made it feel like I was holding a living book, even though I was reading it on a tablet. A riot of colors and adventure meet you on every page, with each part of the story becoming grander than the last. You can see hints of the items used to create the different textures, which makes the story more endearing. The imagery and detail on every page is just astounding. I know I keep bringing it up, but it deserves to be noted again.

The only complaint, and it’s very minor, is that I forgot halfway through what the story was trying to get at. This could have just been me since I was so enraptured by the artwork. This is longer than I had expected, and seems longer than a traditional story for kids. My toddler may not have the patience to read the whole book in one sitting, but it’s definitely a story I want her to experience when she’s just a little older and can appreciate it more.

The illustrations in this are magnificent. It was fun and thought provoking. I enjoyed the poems, though there were some that didn't flow as smoothly for me. I enjoyed the content enough that I would definitely read it again.

Ne voglio ancora.... Non ho mai letto un libro così e mi sono commossa per la poesia di come vengono narrate le cose, ti sembra di essere in un sogno, ma soprattutto che meraviglia di disegni e che colori usati... Unici.. Sicuramente lo farò leggere a mia nipote.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and pull the reader into the lyrical quality of the words. This book is perfect for a bedtime reading routine.

Fun, whimsical picture book! I loved the beautiful illustrations & how the words were moving around the page.

This book was so imaginative and beautifully illustrated. My son loved it! A perfect bedtime story for littles.

What a beautiful picture book that calmed my wild little one. The book follows the story of dreams in a fantasy world with such magical sights and places. The story is very lyrical and calming, especially for my little ones. We loved the vibrant colors and easy flowing text. Our favorites were the cow grazing on purple grass and the blown kisses lost in the wind. This has quickly become a bedtime favorite. We received this as an ebook ARC but will be adding it to our home library for sure. It has a feeling of magic, wonder and calm that your family will love and enjoy. Enjoy this adventure together.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Brilliant and rich artwork makes this book appealing right away to a reader - it urges you to pick it up and read it. Upon reading the prose, however, the artwork and the story seem slightly incongruent with each other. Although the poem within the book seems fun - it juxtaposes a lot of images against their opposite situation, (i.e. Sunflowers rise in a midnight sky), since there is no real “story” it doesn’t actually capture the reader’s imagination as much as I thought it would upon first glance. The art completely overpowers the poetry. It is overwhelming and stunning and you want to flip through it just to see what comes next. But I just was not that impressed with the prose. Perhaps it is worth a purchase just for the illustrations alone.

I absolutely love the cover and the illustrations in the book. I had a difficult time reading this as I couldn’t find a cadence to the writing. I found that to be very frustrating.

The artwork is so stunning! I loved how the illustrator used mixed-media for all the pages. It gave a 'chaotic' but 'aesthetic' look and I like that.

Personally, I felt that the text was on the weaker side, in comparison to the artwork, but I liked the lyrical aspect. It was a bit abstract, but still enjoyable.

This is a dreamy, make-believe concept book that asks lots of what-if and impossible questions. It's definitely something that would appeal to a niche audience; perhaps it would work best as a creative writing lesson, or for older children who like to question lots of things. It is very nonsensical but the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend using this book for an art lesson. I think the illustrator did a gorgeous job creating a dream-like sequence throughout the book, and it would be a great addition for an art teacher's library.

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was very much drawn to this book because of the art and it delivered. Was it a little messier than expected? Yes, but many of the images still packed a punch. In the end, it was the text that somewhat let me down. The rhyme scheme didn't always make sense, some instances of inconsistent punctuation and spelling stuck out to me, and ultimately, I came away wondering if there was actually a point to the book. Maybe for kids it's obvious how dreams are a wonderland to cherish and explore, but from an adult's POV, the ending felt lackluster, like there should've been a more direct, poignant message about creativity or the fleeting nature of imagination?? Something more concrete to share between parents/guardians and the children they're reading with.

“Sunflowers Rise in Midnight Sky,” written by Avery Davis and illustrated by Tang Wei, is extremely well-done by all teams involved. I am an educator for elementary children in search of good books to captivate the attention of my young ones and to help foster their love for reading, imagination, and sense of wonder. This is an excellent choice! I would most definitely recommend to educators, parents, individuals who want to share an enchanting reading experience with their loved ones, or anyone of ANY age who simply enjoys beautiful and calming artwork partnered with ideas straight from a wondrous, fantastical dreamland.

“What if when night falls, dreams come true?”

The ideas to follow in each page—poetry and vibrant, whimsical imagery, alike— are creative and effectively appealed to my “inner child.” If I, an adult, adored this book and felt that it filled me with wonder, I can easily advocate for this book as one that will be a huge hit with the kiddos!

[Thank you to NetGalley, Empyrean Press, and Avery Davis for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.]

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky by Avery Davis is a poetic / lyrical book that would be good for a bedtime story. The story did not keep my attention the best but maybe for a child it would. The illustrations in this book are just gorgeous, that was my favorite part of the book. I wish the story flowed better, but overall it was a good.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reading copy.

The illustrations are beautiful but the white type us difficult to read. The author describes a world where unusual dreams come true.

Beautifully illustrated children's book, with lovely text. Sometimes text does seem to lack a bit of ease of flow. This may hold me back from using it in children's programming in the library. However, this is a beautiful book I think is enjoyable overall.

Ok the illustrations and artwork are unmatched. Absolutely stunning. The mixed-media look, paired with the font type and style is reminiscent of picture books from the 90s - in a good way. The appeal for this book is totally the "picture" part of the book. The writing is quirky and cute, but the beat is off. Often the words rhymed - then randomly there would be a page without rhymes. I wonder if it's a symptom of reading this as an eBook and maybe there's more obvious writing on pages in a physical copy? Either way, you purchase the book because of the artwork, not the storyline (of which there is none). I received this ARC from NetGalley and Avery Davis in exchange for an honest review.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely phenomenal. Whimsical, fantastical, gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! The subjects remind me a bit of Dr Seuss and his world and imagination, but drawn in a more whimsical fashion. So vivid and bright and colourful! Absolutely superb.

I wish the text was just as whimsical too. It has potential, but it's not really going there.

Honestly, you don't even have to read this book to enjoy it.
The illustrations are stunning. Colorful and vibrant and creating movement on each page.
What a fun visual treat.

I was absolutely mesmerized by the art work in this book from the colors, to the textures, to the items drawn in the pages. I could sit and study the pages all day. It’s a great book of what-ifs.

The illustrations are beautifully created but I feel like the type is small. I think the idea was to give off a magical appearance by moving around the text but not sure it is working for the story. Kids will more than likely enjoy the pictures though. It reads more like a picture book.

Love Always, Catherine Johnson

My GOODNESS! I cannot say enough how incredible the illustrations in this book are! I forgot to continue reading due to getting lost in the vibrancy of them, but thankfully my daughter nudged me along :) This book is truly gorgeous. I love the simple yet enriching text and its sweet, soft flow. This is an excellent bedtime read for all ages. I'm eager to have a physical copy for our shelves!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

A whimsical picture book full of color describing dreams becoming reality. I think this would make a great bedtime story, and the illustrations are so beautiful and complex.

A fantastical story of impossible things that can only happen in a dream world. The illustrations are as dreamy as the descriptions and I can tell that kids and grownups alike will get lost in the beautiful visuals.

Take a whimsical journey through a land of dreams, where cows graze on purple grass and Saturn’s rings fall to Earth casting rainbows in the sky. This lushly illustrated book in lyrical verse is sure to bring sweet dreams of a magical world where hummingbirds sing lullabies and angels share their wings so that others can fly. This book is a great match for fans of It’s Time to Sleep My Love.

Avery Davis' "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is an exquisite tapestry woven with threads of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit's indomitable ability to flourish amidst adversity. From the very first page, Davis invites readers into a world where darkness and light dance in an intricate choreography, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

The narrative follows the journey of Sarah, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of tragedy, as she navigates the labyrinthine corridors of grief and self-discovery. Davis' prose is luminous, painting vivid landscapes of emotion and thought with every stroke of her pen. Through Sarah's eyes, we bear witness to the fragile beauty of life, the profoundness of love, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

What sets "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" apart is its ability to resonate on a deeply personal level while simultaneously addressing universal themes. Davis tackles complex issues such as loss, mental health, and the search for meaning with grace and sensitivity, infusing each page with authenticity and raw emotion.

Furthermore, the characters in this novel are intricately drawn, each possessing their own vulnerabilities and strengths. Sarah's journey is not one of linear progression but rather a series of ebbs and flows, mirroring the unpredictability of life itself. As she confronts her inner demons and grapples with her past, readers are reminded of the inherent beauty in human imperfection.

At its core, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love. Davis' prose is lyrical and evocative, weaving a spellbinding tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. This is a book that demands to be savored, its words serving as a beacon of hope in even the darkest of nights.

In conclusion, "Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky" is a triumph of storytelling, showcasing Avery Davis' talent for crafting narratives that are as poignant as they are profound. For anyone seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a captivating read, this book is not to be missed.

Such a sweet collection of poetry and art; it brought me back to being a child and the stories I would come up with as I fell asleep. The art style was akin to a colorful children’s surrealism style and complimented the author’s work beautifully.

“Books open and read themselves aloud. Receiving boisterous applause from the crowd.”

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a fantastical picture book that brings a child’s imagination to life. Through a sequence of surreal imagery and poetic lines, the reader embarks on a journey of dreams and what-ifs. What if Saturn’s rings fell from the sky? What if street signs could tell us secrets? What if the grass turned purple? These questions, along with many others, are explored in mixed-media illustrations that effortlessly catch the eye. Fostering a visionary space for children, Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky falls under a unique category of picture books that lead one to ponder the curiosities of life.

Avery Davis masterfully reels us into a dreamlike state with her wording choices and the rhythm she creates on the page. The rhyme schemes allow the words to flow in a lyrical manner where the book feels as if it’s reading itself to you. Likewise, the structure of the lines flowing freely on the page, literally making you tilt your head, constructs an interactive experience that lets you fully dive into the story. There’s not one second when you want to peel your eyes from the pages. Though the small text on some pages occasionally makes it difficult to read, the overall design was pleasing to the eye. With the addition of Tang Wei’s colorful and textural illustrations, the book immerses its readers into an ingenious world that children are bound to adore. The illustrations are wondrous, incorporating a multitude of textures that pop-out on the page. The imagery is bright, shimmery, tangible, and completely original. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this book is a must read. It embraces curiosity and wonder in the most beautiful way. Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky gives children a glimpse into a magical realm of creativity where dreams really do come to life.

This was so dreamy and beautiful and whimsical and creative and inspiring and ... !!!

I fell in love with the art style with the cover already but had so much fun reading through these beautiful pages. As someone who draws herself, this sure got me inspired.

I don't have children, so I can't speak for someone with kids, but I can imagine that kids would love this as well. There's so much to discover on these pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and empyrean press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bright, poetic, and beautiful! The illustrations are so engaging and the story/poem flows sweetly next to them encouraging you to look closer. This book sparks inspiration to look at things in a new way, and imagine the way things could be. Definitely a book to read over-and-over again.

Thank you Net Galley for an opportunity to review this lovely little book.

This incredibly beautiful book offered vivid illustrations and lovely prose.

A gorgeous book promoting children’s imaginations in both picture and prose. Impossible dreams come to life in Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky, a book perfect for bedtime and weaving sweet dreams in little minds.

This is a poetry/children's book. The verses are beautiful but the most stand out thing about the book is 100% the artwork. It's absolutely gorgeous. I highly enjoyed this book, I would recommend it to others. It's one of those books where there's a few pages I wish I could have as actual art prints.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

The illustrations of this book were phenomenal. They reminded me of Vincent Van Gogh and Monet's paintings. I really enjoyed the illustrations as well as the story and I can see this book being popular with children. I know I would've loved this book if it was published wheen I was a child!
–

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This is a picture book that will appeal to adults as much (or perhaps more) than their children. Absolutely gorgeous illustrations give the reader a glimpse into dreams that come alive and disappear with the dawn. On each page, the reader moves from one wonderfully imaginative dream to another. Whimsical and magical, I highly recommend for your picture book collection!

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a creative and children’s book which explores the idea of children’s dreams becoming reality. I was drawn in by the title, and sense of movement in the cover illustrations. The storyline is lyrical, ethereal and whimsical and the illustrations vibrant and textured. I think this would be a beautiful bedtime book. I also loved the authors notes, particularly the details of how the illustrators childhood environment inspires her art.

Thank you Empyrean Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

This book was so marvelous and unique! The art was absolutely stunning, and I think children will enjoy the text being in different directions and formations, I love that the story encourages your imagination to run wild with possibilities.

I received this book from Empyrean Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mixed media at its finest! Thank you NetGalley and Empyrean Press for access to a digital ARC of this magical story book. I shared this book with my toddler and they were captured from the very first page. The dynamic colors and flowing story really was everything he could have asked for in a bed time story. High marks from the toddler will secure this title in our rotation! All ages will enjoy this work!

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky
This was such sweet, whimsical poetry. The illustrations really solidified the whimsical feeling. I particularly loved the white gloves having tea and books reading themselves. This book would be great for lovers of poetry or teachers creating a poetry unit.

Thanks to NetGalley for this digital copy. Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is out now.

I loved the art work in this book. I normally love poetry, but I wasn’t a fan of this. It might be someone else’s cup to tea.

This is such a magical book. My kids and I loved it. The illustrations transport is to another world.

If you're looking for a new bedtime read look no further! Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a feast for the eyes. This stunning picture book spins dreams, encourages imagination, and is overwhelmingly stunning. Fans of Eric Carle and Nancy Tillman are sure to love this book full off color, texture, and whimsy.

I received this book as an ARC reader, and my copy was electronic, but I am definitely going to be looking for a physical copy. The illustrations are so rich on my IPAD; I can only imagine how beautiful they'll be in person.

4.25

The illustrations in this are absolutely magical - really immersive. They are the star of the show.
I did find the randomly placed text a little hard to read though - it added a chaotic element.
My 9 year old found it confusing - but she needs a very clear, simple narrative.
It is very dreamlike and abstract so I feel younger readers (under 8s) would enjoy it most. I also would have preferred a stronger "story" but it suits the fantastical almost nonsensical subject matter of dreams.
the razzmatazz berries were my fave.

Beautiful book with a wonderful message. I liked the fact that the book was written in verse. Lots of gorgeous pictures. It would make a nice gift.

I selected this book based on its captivating cover, which resembled a fantastical realm waiting to be explored. As soon as I delved into its pages, I realized I had made the perfect choice! If you’re familiar with me, you’ll know I have a habit of reading aloud to my beloved fur babies, whom I treat like family. This book proved to be a delightful match for our cozy reading sessions. With its blend of harmonious and contrasting imagery, it held my attention effortlessly.

As an artist, I found myself mesmerized by the unconventional yet cohesive blend of elements within the narrative. The surrealism within its pages truly expanded my imagination. The intricate art style and clever wordplay added an extra layer of enjoyment. Undoubtedly, this ranks among the most visually stunning books I’ve ever encountered. Who would have thought that my furry companions and I would find such joy in the pages of a children’s book? I highly recommend this to everyone regardless of age.

In 3 words - whimsical art and poetry.
This was such a beautiful book, and I'm glad I got a digital copy from Netgalley as I was able to zoom in and see the many many elements that the artist had included on each page.
Some poems were laugh out loud, some philosophical, and some pointed out connections which I'd not really thought of before.
Overall, it was just really pretty and sweet :)

Gorgeous illustrations that are emotional yet elegant. Brilliant representation of the imagery in words. A nuanced portrayal of a story with no plot or defining characters. Imaginative and flowery narrative. A sentence carries multiple interpretations. Passionate poems sprinkled throughout but lacks coherence. A gentle pillow of creativity. Overall, a good read.

*What if when night falls, dreams come true.
And in the morning no one knew.*

Wow wow wow! What a phenomenal art!!!💖
It makes me wanna dive into the book and live with all the wonderful creatures there.😭💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

A very poetic, visually beautiful children's book. The gorgeous illustrations make it enticing, but sadly, it didn't feel as though there was much of a story to it. I have some mixed feelings. I would love to hang some of those pictures on the wall though.

Stunning artwork drives this whimsical picture book.

Thank you to Empyrean Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

Este es un buen poemario para iniciar en el mundo de la poesia! Me gusta mucho el arte y la edicion, el como estan colocados los versos y las imagenes que quiere proyectar con ellos.

This was an absolutely gorgeous book. The illustrations were wonderful and the words were full of whimsy. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading it to my toddler.

I found it very hard to rate children's books so everything is a 5 star read for me!!
I really loved this book, the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that I found myself smiling through every page I read.
The story itself is very beautiful and inspiring <3

The illustrations in this book look right out of a childhood dream! exactly what the whole theme of the book is; and they match it perfectly. they immerse you in this chaotic dreamland the artist has created which is lovely. it’s vibrant yet so gentle and beautiful that it can easily attract anyone of any age!