Moon Dreams

PreS-Gr 1—Born on the night of a full Moon, Luna has always felt a special connection to the large floating orb she watches from her window. But where, she wonders, does it go during the day? Her Moon-filled dreams take her, with her toy bunny at her side, beneath the seas, beyond distant mountains, and to the other side of storm clouds. None of these meanderings solve the riddle until finally, while she travels via a spaceship among stars and planets, Moon supplies the answer: "I'm always here in space, watching over you. But you can only see me at night, when the sky is dark." Luna floats dreamily home. The girl's round face, set off by her jet black hair, echoes the Moon in its nighttime sky. This artistic motif continues as Latyk fills the pages with rounded shapes, soft edges, and shaded colors. Full spreads allow ample space for the story to unfold—and for Luna's assortment of toys, which make her journeys feel safe and comfortable. A nice variation to the many nighttime stories available, this one is effectively and pleasingly done.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA