Good Morning, City

Even before the sun rises, the city is waking up. "A newspaper carrier rushes to her last deliveries. Whoosh. Thump. The paper lands on the stoop. / 'Drop that rope!' the captain hollers. Splash. Toot. Toot! The ferry boat starts its morning rounds." The bakery, the diner, morning joggers, delivery and garbage trucks, commuters, and more begin their days until listeners find themselves in a little girl's bedroom. She, too, awakens and embraces the morning time with her family over pancakes for breakfast. Spare text and city-sounds onomatopoeia work with the lush illustrations to satisfyingly depict the early- to mid-morning activities. The unique way the light changes, dapples, and washes over each double-page spread makes this look at daybreak particularly captivating, and the text's described frenzy of traffic, people, and activity feels not rushed but alive and expectant. In this ode to city mornings, everyone is smiling and no one looks tired or grouchy, making for an invigorating way to start the day. julie roach

Even before the sun rises, the city is waking up. The bakery, joggers, garbage trucks, and more begin their days until listeners find themselves in a girl's bedroom. Spare text and city-sounds onomatopoeia work with lush illustrations to satisfyingly depict the activities; the frenzy feels not rushed but alive and expectant. This ode to city mornings makes for an invigorating start to the day.