In simple, poetic text, the narrator of this picture-book debut chronicles the early morning life of a great city. In the "dark and quiet" the city begins to stir, as bakers and papergirls go about their early morning tasks. Slowly light emerges, and more and more people join the story, waking up and beginning their day, adding their activity to the life of the metropolis around them...

This children's book debut from Pat Kiernan, long-time news host on New York City television, offers a gentle and appealing exploration of early morning in the city. It called to my mind that feeling I get when out and abroad before the vast majority of my fellows - that feeling of excitement and exhilaration, with the day lying all unexplored before me. The accompanying artwork by animator Pascal Campion captures that feeling very well, I thought. Recommended to anyone looking for positive depictions of the life of great cities, with all of their excitement and activity. ( )