Saturday, June 22, 2013

Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper -- ESSENTIAL

Cooper, Floyd Max and the Tag-Along Moon 32 pgs. Philomel Books, 2013. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

Max is sad when it's time to leave "Granpa's" house, but his grandfather reassures Max that the moon will always shine for him as a reminder of his grandfather's love. And, indeed, all the way home along windy, twisty mountain roads Max watches the moon tag along. But a storm comes up just before they arrive, hiding the moon. Max fears that Granpa was wrong about the moon always being there for him, but just as he is about to go to bed he looks out his bedroom window and there it is again, full and bright. Satisfied, Max curls up in bed and falls asleep.

This is a warm, sweet, reassuring story that's perfect for a read-aloud right before bed. The soft yet realistic illustrations complement the text nicely. Max's expressions are realistic, as if he were a real child caught in the act of hugging his grandfather, searching for the missing moon, and marveling at the moonlight out his bedroom window. All in all a quiet but wonderful tale.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by: Caryn

No comments: