Martin on the Moon

Gr 1–3—Martin is a dreamer and a poet, and today is the first day of school. Sitting at his desk, he wonders about many things, such as his teacher's name. Seeing her gray hair and cheeks reminds him of his gray cat and his mum's smile, which is "as wide as a river." That, of course, reminds him of his trip to the river last summer and how beautiful and alive the water was. Not at all like the "empty blackboard behind the teacher." Although he tries to concentrate, the lessons just remind him of how much he misses the summer and even rainy days, which in turn sets him daydreaming of his mother's poems and loving kisses. Before long, Martin is jolted back to reality, but happily by a teacher who knows that sometimes children need a kind smile and understanding. Presented in watercolor and inks, this quiet story is suited for times of reflection. Martin and his classmates are drawn in a cartoon style, with oversize heads and fanciful surroundings. Overall, a suitable additional purchase.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA