Many Moons

PreS-Gr 2—This French import takes readers through all the phases of the moon by comparing its changing shape to common things using the phrase on this night. The book begins, "On this night, Matthew thinks the moon could be a bow for his arrow." As the lunar cycle continues, the moon is compared to, among other things, a banana, a smile, half a wheel of cheese, an egg, and a rowboat. Each spread features illustrations on the right-hand side, which cleverly reinforce the text on the left. The contrast between the black background and the white text, bright yellow moon, and the black or white (depending on placement) etchinglike drawings are minimal and eye-catching. A hint of the full circle of the moon is visible throughout, subtly shown in glossy black on the matte background. The last pages feature a simply illustrated explanation of how and why the moon changes shape. The title has sturdy, board book—like pages and is constructed to lie flat.