Max and the Tag-Along Moon

It's hard to leave Granpa's house, but he has a promise for young Max: the "big fine moon" in the sky "will always shine for you... on and on!" Granpa seems right for most of the "swervy-curvy" trip home--which is beautifully captured by the velvety textures, luminous palette, and curvilinear shapes of Cooper's spreads. Then storm clouds turn the sky dark, and in Max's anxious face it's easy to see that he's wondering whether the loneliness and disappointment brought on by the moon's disappearance means something about his own world, too: what happens when someone he love disappears? Many authors would have brought in another adult to help Max mediate his feelings, but Cooper (Brick by Brick) gives the boy room to think, so that when moon reappears, Max has a deeper understanding of what Granpa's promise means: love, like the moon's light, goes "on and on." Writing in poetic, evocative prose, Cooper offers just the right amount of support to the lush illustrations and the thoughtful, observant hero. Ages 3-7. (June)

PreS-K—A big, round moon shines down on a boy and his grandfather as they share a good-bye hug, and Granpa tells Max, "That ol' moon will always shine for you...on and on." The child keeps an eye on the moon on the long drive home, spying it in the side mirror of his family's car and through branches above him. Over hills and bridges, past sleeping cows, and through a quiet town, it is always in view. Then, when dark clouds hide it, Max feels its absence. It reappears as he is going to sleep, and he throw his hands in the air with joy at the shining orb that "will always shine for me... on and on!" A lovely comforting story for children who don't like good-byes, the quiet text flows along, and the soft, diffuse paintings make the book a wonderful bedtime read-aloud. The full moon is a friendly presence on each spread, and the varied vantage points incorporate soothing imagery, such as a bird silhouetted against the sky. Signs with arrows point the way home, reassuring readers that despite the lengthy trip, Max is heading in the right direction. His face is expressive, clearly conveying his varied emotions, from wonder to happiness and wistfulness. Perfect for one-on-one readings.—Marian McLeod, Darien Library, CT