Over the Moon

PreS-Gr 2–The story opens with a baby girl floating down a river in a basket. She is scooped up by two wolves, one of whom is philosophical and romantic while the other is more practical and realistic. “When the two wolves get the baby home they are both over the moon with joy. The first wolf says, ‘We will nourish her and teach her about good and evil, dark and light, right and wrong.’ The second wolf says, ‘I was planning on eating her.’” Fortunately for the girl, she is lovingly raised by the pair. One day while out picking berries, the girl spots other children for the first time. She is shaken and can’t stop thinking about them. She goes back to spy on the children several times until she comes to the realization that she must leave. She notifies the wolves of her decision. The first wolf says they have raised her for this very moment while the second wolf sheds a tear. The girl goes off to school on her own. “Now the girl and the wolves will spend their days apart. But when each day ends, the wolves will be there to scoop the girl into their arms and take her home.” Abbott’s soft, cartoon illustrations perfectly match and set the tone. This is a zany twist on an age-old tale of growing up and realizing that family means the ones who choose, love, and raise you.