In New York

Why not start spreadin’ the news at an early age? Arthur creator Brown reports that he fell in love with the Big Apple as an eight-year-old visiting from Erie, Pa., and vowed to live there one day (he’s now a resident of the West Village). It’s clear that he wants a new generation to get the itch to be a part of it, too. His combination tribute/guidebook (it even collects tourist information about various city activities at the conclusion) feels proudly old-fashioned in its hit-the-high-points approach; sunny, sponged artwork; and gee-whiz attitude (“People have been having fun in Central Park for over 150 years!”). This is more the New York of Liza Minnelli (who makes an uncredited cameo appearance) than of Jay-Z, but for families planning a visit, a stroll through Brown’s expansively imagined spreads offers an unintimidating introduction to the city that doesn’t sleep, with previews of everything from the subway system to architectural highlights and the global panoply that is New York cuisine. Ages 3–up. (Mar.)