Review
This book is based on a lost (and unfinished) manuscript by Margaret Wise Brown (author of the beloved Goodnight Moon). That manuscript was based on an English nursery rhyme:
I see the moon
and the moon sees me
God bless the moon
and God bless me.
I have to first admit that I was never entirely won over by Margaret Wise Brown. Goodnight Moon, for example has an odd rhyme scheme/rhythm and the illustrations are uninspiring. But it is a book that grows on you when you become a parent because so many children respond so strongly to it. There’s something about the combination of the cadence of the story and simplicity of the drawings that is appealing to very young children. But don't even get me started on The Runaway Bunny.
So, about this book - The general gist of the ‘story’ is that the moon shines its light all over the world. There is a little poem and illustrations for different regions of the world. It has the same odd rhyming pattern as Goodnight Moon. Some of the rhymes are good. Others are a little clunky.
The illustrations are similarly hit or miss. I really liked the idea of representations of children from all around the world with foreign back drops to match. The drawings have a vintage 1950s feel and some are really striking with vibrant colors. The children from the Far East are just too precious for words. Others are just so-so.
I think this book will really appeal to religious families since there is a clear message of Christian faith through out the book. It will also appeal to families who want to expose their children to a global perspective.
I see the moon
and the moon sees me
God bless the moon
and God bless me.
I have to first admit that I was never entirely won over by Margaret Wise Brown. Goodnight Moon, for example has an odd rhyme scheme/rhythm and the illustrations are uninspiring. But it is a book that grows on you when you become a parent because so many children respond so strongly to it. There’s something about the combination of the cadence of the story and simplicity of the drawings that is appealing to very young children. But don't even get me started on The Runaway Bunny.
So, about this book - The general gist of the ‘story’ is that the moon shines its light all over the world. There is a little poem and illustrations for different regions of the world. It has the same odd rhyming pattern as Goodnight Moon. Some of the rhymes are good. Others are a little clunky.
The illustrations are similarly hit or miss. I really liked the idea of representations of children from all around the world with foreign back drops to match. The drawings have a vintage 1950s feel and some are really striking with vibrant colors. The children from the Far East are just too precious for words. Others are just so-so.
I think this book will really appeal to religious families since there is a clear message of Christian faith through out the book. It will also appeal to families who want to expose their children to a global perspective.
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