Bring Up the Sun

The work of illuminating the earth occurs through a patrilinear succession in this validating work from late creator Anderson (the Little Quack series). When Grandpa Sun retires and Father Sun doesn’t want the job, it falls to young Sun, an energetic chap sporting a red vest and a quiff-like flame. But while Sun embraces the weighty responsibility, he faces immediate criticism: clouds, mountains, trees, and city buildings all find fault with his performance. “What makes you think you can light this big world?” says one intimidating peak. When night falls, Sun seeks guidance from his grandfather, who offers wise words: “There are some in this world who will never be happy,” Grandpa Sun tells him. “You have to shine anyway.” Meanwhile, with Sun away, the mountains find themselves cold, the trees wail dramatically about the dark, and the city oversleeps. Realizing that not all criticism is constructive, Sun returns to do his job—and does it brilliantly. Alongside narration that’s poised for those on the cusp of new vistas, ink and digital illustrations have an openhearted sense of humor (clouds are shown perched on swings in the sky), and the portrayal of familiar natural and architectural features as pouters and complainers should generate reader laughs. Ages 4–8. (June)