Before I Wake Up...

A young girl falls asleep and travels in her dreams through the sky, down to the ocean's depths and into a jungle. She is accompanied by a lion friend, who eases her fears, gives her confidence and helps her explore the world around her. Along the way she meets whales, jellyfish, grizzly bears and wolves. Then it is time for the moon balloon to take the girl home to her bed, where she awakes, snuggled safely next to the lion, who returns to being a stuffed toy. Award-winning children's illustrator Britta Teckentrup's collage-like artwork creates a magical world of captivating colours, classic shapes and softly detailed textures. The gently told story reassures children that they are never alone, even in their dreams. Exquisitely produced, this book is certain to become a bedtime favourite for children and their parents.

Britta Teckentrup grew up in a town called Wuppertal. She moved to London in 1988 to study illustration and fine art at St Martin's College and the Royal College of Art and ended up staying in England for 17 years. Britta has created over 30 books, translated into 20 different languages. Britta's illustrations have appeared in magazines, on homewares, clothes and packaging. Britta now lives and works in Berlin with her artist husband, young son Vincent and their cat.