  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2013 PreS-K—A big, round moon shines down on a boy and his grandfather as they share a good-bye hug, and Granpa tells Max, "That ol' moon will always shine for you…on and on." The child keeps an eye on the moon on the long drive home, spying it in the side mirror of his family's car and through branches above him. Over hills and bridges, past sleeping cows, and through a quiet town, it is always in view. Then, when dark clouds hide it, Max feels its absence. It reappears as he is going to sleep, and he throw his hands in the air with joy at the shining orb that "will always shine for me… on and on!" A lovely comforting story for children who don't like good-byes, the quiet text flows along, and the soft, diffuse paintings make the book a wonderful bedtime read-aloud. The full moon is a friendly presence on each spread, and the varied vantage points incorporate soothing imagery, such as a bird silhouetted against the sky. Signs with arrows point the way home, reassuring readers that despite the lengthy trip, Max is heading in the right direction. His face is expressive, clearly conveying his varied emotions, from wonder to happiness and wistfulness. Perfect for one-on-one readings.—Marian McLeod, Darien Library, CT - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 06/01/2013 Max says of the moon: “Granpa said it would always shine for me.” And glow it does on each beautiful full-bleed double-page spread. Cooper’s signature illustrations in soft browns and yellows mixed with subtle pastel shades follow a young boy’s car trip home at night after a visit with his beloved Granpa. The moon is always there as Max travels up a hill, down a hill, around a curve, bouncing past resting cows, and through a quiet small town. But when that tag-along moon disappears behind thick, smoky storm clouds, Max says, “I guess that ol’ moon couldn’t shine for me all the way home.” Upstairs in bed, Max misses Granpa, but then a magic ball of light fills Max’s window, and he raises his arms in glorious victory. Coretta Scott King Award–winning Cooper has created a gentle, comforting story that will reassure children that those who love us are always with us. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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