Hello, Sun

by Julie Downing

Follow the sun and the creatures it shines on from dawn to nightfall in this companion to Hello, Moon, from Parent’s Choice Award Winner Julie Downing.

Hello, sun!
Goodbye, night!
Sunrise chill,
pale dawn light.

Julie Downing’s signature artwork washes each page in a symphony of blue, green and purple foliage; the sky shifts from amber to pink, buttercup-yellow, or darkest indigo. Sleepy bears, rabbits, deer, and other animals rise from cozy dens and burrows to greet the day.

From the award-winning creator of Hello, Moon and Night in the City, Hello, Sun features short and simple sentences perfect for a bedtime story or for children building confidence in reading on their own. Whether you’re starting the day or ending it, don’t miss this engrossing walk with the sun and the creatures it shines on.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Storytime, Childrens, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

Julie Downing is the illustrator of more than forty-five picture books and a professor of watercolor and children’s book illustration. She lives in California.

Reviews

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect bedtime book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Loved the art and the rhymes.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely companion book that Downing created for her previous book, Hello, Moon.
Simple sentences in a large font and colorful mixed media art - colored pencil, watercolor, and liquid acrylics on cold press watercolor paper combined digitally.

2024 storytime theme: MJSD Park Fall Stories

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the day breaks and the sun rises, forest animals wake to enjoy their day in this rhyming text until night, and the moon returns.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the lush, layered artwork, created with colored pencil, watercolor, and liquid acrylics and then digitally assembled, is the star in this picture book, the minimal text is lyrical and perfect for a shared classroom read aloud or even a choral reading. As might be conjectured from the book's title, various animals greet the sun as day breaks, and then go about their business as time counts down to the onset of night. Not only is it time for bed, but it's also time to bid adieu to the sun and extend greetings to the moon. But before that, a small bunny faces danger from the air as raptors fly above him, looking for prey. The rhyming text makes for a melodic, soothing read. Each double-page spread is more beautiful than the one before it, making it hard to tear one's eyes from the pages and evoking a sense of wonder at nature's lushness. Pair this one with the author/illustrator's previous Hello, Moon.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's stunning illustrations are the real star here, though you've got to admire someone who can rhyme "unfurl" with "squirrel." This is just a simply lovely book about one day in the life of Mother Nature.

[Louise Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical picture book brings readers into the forest at the crack of dawn for a close-up peek at what happens throughout the day. With just a few sparse but perfectly-chosen words, paired with bright and lovely illustrations, we feel the day progress: "Silver mist slides away. Yellow spills into day." The author's rhyme doesn't become sing-songy, and her meter is spot-on. My favorite page carries us up into high branches to discover a hummingbird nest: "Wisps of hay, silky thread. Sticky heat, mossy bed." The cover suggests this for ages 4-6, but I would definitely extend that range!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion to Hello, Moon, this rhyming picture book offers vibrant, eye-catching art perfect for younger readers. Each page provides a soothing glimpse into the woodland world as plants and animals go about their day.

With sparse, lyrical verse and rich visual detail, this book serves as a gentle introduction to poetic language and the concept of setting, making it a great read-aloud for preschoolers and a useful tool for early literacy instruction.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful illustrations and a gentle rhyme illustrate the goings-on in the forest from sunrise to sunset. A variety of animals go about their lives in the forest. This would make a nice read-aloud for either morning or bedtime, or for the classroom to contrast the different sights, sounds, and colors of the day.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

From sunrise to sunset, this gentle story carries you through a day in the forest. The language is dreamy, spare, and rhyming. The illustrations are watery and lush. You could read this anytime of day, but I think it makes a wonderfully cozy bedtime story.

[Rachel Matsuoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mesmerizing picture book that celebrates the sun, and the forest critters and flora that awaken from sunrise to sunset. Each page is awash in luminous colors, idyllic scenery, and adorable animals and their babies. Bonus: the author is from San Francisco!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Downing never fails. She has done it again with this soothing, simple but colorful tale for wee ones. I love it.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, simple, rhyming bedtime book.

Themes: Sun/Moon/Day/Night, Nature
Age range: Baby-Toddler

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrated poem about a day in the forest.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last book in a younger storytime, good for a toddlertime, could be a nice calming one at home before bedtime.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A toddler and up brightly colored picture book where the sun is coming up and the moon is sliding away and the day continues.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely illustrations -- water color, pencil, and acrylic -- are the big draw for this book. But the simple rhyming text works well as a lap read or read aloud.

[Kelly]

Great day/night, morning/night, sun/moon book. Simple for toddlers but still with charming illustrations. One I would definitely use for storytime.

[Irina H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, simple poem accompanied by gorgeous illustrations. Beautiful, and charming.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty, but not much to it.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful rhyming walk through nature from Julie Downing. The illustrations are gorgeous and my little loves checking in with all the forest creatures as they go about their day

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty and calming book.

Mia’s Year of Books: Day 154

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning artwork and a simple story with only a few words on each page.

Updated to add: kids loved this book at a story time reading.