Preschooler Tyree anxiously awaits the return of his father, who has been away from home for a month taking care of Tyree's grandmother. Even though his mother tells him his daddy won't be home until daybreak, Tyree is adamant about staying up so he can hide in a cardboard box underneath the dining-room table to surprise his daddy. After some marvelously realistic negotiating, mother agrees to let Tyree sit in a rocking chair at the living-room window, watching for the "first pink light" of dawn. As determined and excited as little Tyree is, he just can't stay awake much later than his usual bedtime and soon he is fast asleep, only to be awakened hours later by a hug from his daddy. First published in 1976, Greenfield's humorous yet poignant story unfolds entirely through Tyree's believable actions and reactions, achieving a depth of character and drama rarely seen in realistic stories about and for preschoolers. Through facial expressions and postures, Gilchrist's full-color gouache and pastel paintings skillfully capture the many moods of a four year old at bedtime. As a read-aloud selection either one-on-one or for groups of preschoolers, this will delight the grown-ups as well as the children. (Ages 3-5)

Poignant text and sensitive illustrations celebrate the riches of family life and one child's determination, as he struggles to stay awake to greet the return of his father at dawn's first light. "A fine contribution".--Kirkus Reviews. Full color.