Moon Babies

April 15, 2019
A new moon is born every 28 days, but what does a baby moon do all day? Make a wish and join Jameson's moon babies to discover a day that is out of this world. Sample a breakfast bottle with milk that flows from the Milky Way. Stand by as the baby moons take a moonwalk--but "wobble-bobble, step and stumble. / Babies try but take a tumble." Join them as they go into orbit on their favorite playground ride, the carousel, and stack moonstones to build castles in the sky. Ever wondered what is in the Little Dipper? "Steamy porridge" for moon babies' dinner, of course. As the day winds down, it's time for bath "play and bubble fun. / Stardust powder when they're done," and, finally, the "softest jammies" and bedtime snuggles with "doting grammies" reading nursery rhymes. Soothing rhythms, a consistent rhyme pattern, lively rhymes, and gently playful references make this book a good bedtime read for both children and caregivers. Illustrations of pastel-hued moon babies against nighttime blue backgrounds are restful, too, but they also include details to discuss: ever watchful grammy moons, real and imagined constellation patterns, and a tiny astronaut doll tucked in every spread. A playful and soothing book for the close of day. (Picture book. 3-5)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 10, 2019
In a lyrical bedtime story, anthropomorphic baby moons with blissful, doll-like expressions orbit throughout an intergalactic world of constellations and purple skies. At moonrise, the orbs begin their busy day, setting out for a walk and various amusements. When moonset looms, they bathe in a “grand celestial tub” with a swirl of soapsuds and “stardust powder”; eat “steamy porridge, smooth and white” from bowls seen floating along a swirl of interstellar light near the Little Dipper; and gather around to snuggle and listen to Mother Goose nursery rhymes before heading off to bed (even moon babies, it seems, “drift off, rock-a-byed”). Hevron creates a dreamy, cozy atmosphere in gentle painterly scenes that aren’t attached to any particular time or place. Readers themselves may feel as though they are floating serenely alongside the peaceful lunar characters. Ages 3–5.

July 1, 2019

Baby-Toddler-Does the moon sleep? This debut picture book features a lyrical bedtime story about celestial babies. The sonorous narrative begins, "In the starry dark of night, /a secret moon world comes to light./Make a wish and you just might/visit baby moons tonight." This gentle story unfolds as two grandma moons take care of five small moon babies. Their day consists of getting dressed, going to the park, and more activities that human children will easily recognize. The closing page calls back to the opening couplet, encouraging readers to close their eyes and dream about the moon babies. The acrylic and pencil illustrations have a dreamlike quality and the purple and blue hues further set this tone. VERDICT A great purchase for libraries looking for more bedtime books.-Brooke Newberry, Winding Rivers Library System, West Salem, WI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.