Before, Now

Follow the story of a child from babyhood to parenthood in this moving book about family connections, time, and opposites—a lyrical classic in the making from the acclaimed illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dragons Love Tacos.

Ava’s world is full of opposites: colorful sneakers on a gray sidewalk, thick books made up of thin sheets of paper, and dreams of huge spaces in her small head. Together, these opposites depict a full and impactful life, as Ava moves from girl to student to scientist, from daughter to mother to grandmother. While years pass and some things change, there is even more that is constant in this visually rich, soothing portrait of family connection through the generations.

You'll want to cozy up and read this touching, beautiful book together with the children in your life. And as a celebration of personal and family milestones, it's a perfect gift for baby showers and graduations.

Daniel Salmieri is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Dragons Love Tacos and numerous other picture books, and the author/illustrator of the critically acclaimed Bear and Wolf. His editorial illustrations can be seen in The New Yorker and The New York Times. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and young son.