Book Descriptions
for Moonbeams by Ann Bausum and Kyung Eun Han
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"I see the moon. Can the moon see me? / Tell me, half moon, what do you see?" Page spreads anchored by this repeated refrain with slight variations to accommodate changes in the moon's appearance (e.g, new moon, crescent moon, growing moon, round moon, etc.) are paired with rhyming quatrains that tell more about the moon while placing its appearance in a specific geographic setting or context. "Although a half seems to appear, / you view a quarter of my sphere, / I cast my glitter on the ocean / riding waves of soothing motion." Inviting, beautifully composed illustrations in warm hues show landmarks and landscapes from around the world referenced in the narrative (e.g., Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Mongolian plains, coast of Greece, etc.). End matter of this elegant picture book includes information about the moon and lunar cycle, a glossary, and further reading, as well as a personal note from Wisconsin author Bausum. (Ages 3-7)
CCBC Choices 2021. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2021. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
Included in the CCBC Choices 2021, the annual best-of-the-year list of the Cooperative Children's Book Center!
"Han's expansive gradient digital spreads, simple figures appear in landscapes across the world, some stated, some vague...the soft illustrations shine."--Publisher's Weekly
Follow along as people around the world gaze upon the phases of the moon in this beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates our earth and pays homage to the moon, ever-present and comforting.
I see the moon. Can the moon see me?
Tell me, shadow moon, what do you see?
Toward the sun, I shine quite bright,
but down on Earth, there's darkest night.
My first face is fresh and new.
You'll see each phase before we're through.
In this sweet bedtime story is a universal truth--we are all connected by the moon. From Yosemite to the Taj Mahal to the coast of Greece, we all gaze upon the same moon. Told in dual perspectives from the phases of the moon and from people around the world, they work together to strike a balance of humility and wonder while teaching young readers all about the journey of the moon. Paired with gorgeous illustrations, the rhythmic cadence of the text will lull young readers to sleep on a whimsical, yet factual, journey!
"Han's expansive gradient digital spreads, simple figures appear in landscapes across the world, some stated, some vague...the soft illustrations shine."--Publisher's Weekly
Follow along as people around the world gaze upon the phases of the moon in this beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates our earth and pays homage to the moon, ever-present and comforting.
I see the moon. Can the moon see me?
Tell me, shadow moon, what do you see?
Toward the sun, I shine quite bright,
but down on Earth, there's darkest night.
My first face is fresh and new.
You'll see each phase before we're through.
In this sweet bedtime story is a universal truth--we are all connected by the moon. From Yosemite to the Taj Mahal to the coast of Greece, we all gaze upon the same moon. Told in dual perspectives from the phases of the moon and from people around the world, they work together to strike a balance of humility and wonder while teaching young readers all about the journey of the moon. Paired with gorgeous illustrations, the rhythmic cadence of the text will lull young readers to sleep on a whimsical, yet factual, journey!
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
