Julie Downing

"When it is night in the city and your day is almost done, some people are just waking up." Endpapers show apartment windows - some lighted, some not - and the people inside. As a child gets a good-night hug and gets into bed, other people are just heading out, via different types of transit. "People do all different jobs at night" - such as baker, hotel manager, taxi driver, firefighter, technician (on a movie set), janitor, security guard, emergency dispatcher, and nurse. The language is show more young-kid-friendly and the illustrations support the text, showing diverse people (including a female firefighter and a male nurse). A lovely book for bedtime or anytime.

See also: The Paper Kingdom
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Re-read (Pajama Storytime) October 2023 show less

This book is a great way to introduce children to their communities.....especially those who live in larger cities. They're given a birds eye view into the daily lives of others, and shown how they may differ from their own. This book will help young children interpret the bustling city around them.

The book starts off with an older Mozart. He reminisces his past with his wife. Here we see how much of a prodigy Mozart was as a child. Although he was a prodigy, we see that he had many struggles to become noticed by the high class like the royal family. But when he finishes talking about the past, we see that he has finally accomplished his dream and became one of the most well known composers. I would probably read this story along with the book Isadora dances. It can be a theme of never show more giving up because you will soon accomplish what you want. show less

Cute story about a kid who withholds hugs after his mom chides him for throwing a ball in the house. Can help teach days of the week or about consequences. No awards