Good Morning, City

Kiernan knows a lot about how a city shakes off sleep: he’s the beloved morning anchor on NY1, New York City’s 24-hour news channel. Combining short, poetic descriptions with onomatopoeia, the first-time children’s book author explains that the city wakes up long before readers do—even before the sun itself. The baker and her team go to work while the moon “still glimmers in the sky”: “Measure. Mix. Knead. Fresh bread will soon rise like the sun.” The docks come to life (“Splash. Toot! Toot!”), and the streets and sidewalks fill with dog walkers, joggers, and workers. The sun’s “long rays break over the tops of tall buildings,” and light floods the bedroom where a girl is sleeping; her family’s day begins. Campion (The Last Christmas Tree) has a wonderful way with color and changing light (the bedroom scene is positively radiant), and his energetic city dwellers—from the gentleman who holds his hat as he jetés through a crosswalk to the folks chatting and flirting over diner coffee—seem certain they’re living in the best place in the world. Ages 2–6. Author’s agent: Paul Fedorko, Bienstock. Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Nov.)