Night in the City

In a series of lively, inventive spreads, Downing (Cubs in the Tub) pays homage to workers who take up their posts as much of a city heads for bed, drawing building cutaways of people preparing to venture out. "One person puts on extra layers to stay warm," reads descriptive text, accompanying the image of a figure struggling into red long underwear. First touching on uniforms and transportation, lines next reveal an array of jobs. A baker "mixes flour and yeast for tomorrow's bread." Taxi drivers pick up late fares. A nurse looks on as a father kisses a new baby. Addressing the story directly to readers, she highlights the way the diverse workers' time is turned upside down: "When it is the middle of the night and you need to get up, some people are sitting down to eat." Warm, engaging artwork plays the dark indigo of night off warm, golden interior light. Combining the gravitas of Keeping the City Going with the straightforward charm of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, Downing offers a gently bustling account of how "all night long, people are awake." Ages 4-8. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (Mar.)