New Releases by Julie Downing

The allure of games is as ancient as civilization itself. From the etched boards found in Mesopotamian tombs to the sprawling digital landscapes of modern gaming, humanity has consistently sought to structure play, challenge minds, and forge connections through designed experiences. This book embarks on a journey through the rich tapestry of board game history, exploring how these seemingly simple pastimes have evolved alongside us, mirroring our societies, our technologies, and our very understanding of ourselves. We will delve into the origins of games in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, tracing their development through the empires of Rome and China, the intellectual fervor of the Renaissance, and the social customs of the Victorian era. We will examine the transformative impact of the 20th century, with its mass production and iconic titles, and witness the strategic renaissance sparked by European design. From the thematic immersion of American games to the digital frontier and the vital communities that surround tabletop play, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of how games have shaped and been shaped by human history. It is a testament to the enduring power of play, not just as entertainment, but as a fundamental aspect of the human experience, a lens through which we can understand our past, engage with our present, and envision our future.

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. When the sun''s rays begin to filter through the trees, sleepy bears, rabbits, deer, and other animals rise from cozy dens and burrows to greet the day. There are acorns to eat, rivers to splash in, and meadows to race through before the blanket of sunset falls again. 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. Julie Downing’s signature artwork washes each page in a symphony of color. Whether you’re starting the day or ending it, don’t miss this engrossing walk with the sun and the creatures it shines on. "Text and images meld wonderfully to bring a fresh perspective to what’s going on in nature during the daylight hours. . . A glorious new exploration of nature’s delights for young readers."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

An ingenious account of the jobs people do all through the night, when kids are fast asleep. In Night in the City, author and illustrator Julie Downing cleverly uses multiple panels to follow eight people throughout the course of their busy evening, from waking up just as most people are contemplating bedtime, through the following morning. The jobs depicted are nurse, baker, taxi driver, fire fighter, on location film tech, janitor, museum security guard, and emergency dispatcher. Together, their stories bring the beating heart of a city to life, making for a book sure to have kids pouring over meticulously designed pages, following the exploits of our lead characters over the course of a single ordinary evening. A Pennsylvania Center for the Book Baker’s Dozen Selection A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library ''Best of the Best'' Book A Horn Book Fanfare Book A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

This perfect bedtime read-aloud describes that magical time, just as we''re drifting off to sleep, when the moon the moon shines brightly and life emerges from the forest. Hello moon, Goodbye sun. Night is near, Day is done. When the sun goes down and most of us are getting ready for bed, the nighttime animals of the forest all wake up to the light of the moon. It calls to the them, from the slyest fox to the tiniest mouse, who feasts on leaves and fruit and scurries beneath the brush. A gentle rhyming text that will appeal to the youngest child is illustrated with soft and dreamy artwork in this perfect bedtime book in the tradition of Goodnight Moon. For more bedtime rhymes, don''t miss the companion book Hello, Sun, which chronicles the other side of the daily cycle. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Perfect for readers with a budding interest in the beauty of nature, Julie Downing’s vividly illustrated picture encourages young explorers to observe the outside on their own. By paying close attention to the small, often-overlooked details of nature, a young child is able to discover the beauty that lives beyond common sights in the actions and appearances of animals. With observant text and sparkling illustrations, White Snow, Blue Feather conveys the joys of nature and exploring the world on one’s own.

When Felix declares that there will be no hugs, snuggles, or super squeezes for a whole week, both he and his mama have a hard time.

This story has now acquired the status of a folktale. The story of lonely shoemaker Papa Panov''s generosity reflects the true spirit of Christmas.

Every child who has ever wondered why Mommy isn''t right nearby all the time will be amused and comforted by Julie Downing''s captivating new picture book. You will have fun with Where Is My Mommy? Reading it aloud will quickly become like a favorite game of peekaboo as your child begins to anticipate each reassuring answer and greets again young animal friends.

On the eve of his great operatic triumph "Don Giovanni," Mozart looks back on the events of his life that led to this moment.

On an evening in Prague as he prepares to present his new opera, Mozart looks back on his life