WHOSE MOON IS THAT? by Kim Krans (from Random House Publishing)

ISBN: 978-1101932278
Hardcover $17.99

My thoughts:  How timely here in August 2017 to have a picture book that addresses the question of ownership of the Moon. The full moon of August 2017 is especially stunning and during August the moon will eclipse the Sun in an amazing display. As our interest in the Moon turns our eyes heavenward, it is appropriate for children to learn much about the Moon and to give reason to the fact that the Moon is not his or hers and that it belongs to everyone.

 I love how the story is told in short lines of lyric verse that flow easily throughout. The illustrations in black ink against white with stunning blues, black, and brilliant water colors are integrated to capture the darkness that is "the night" and the colors one might see throughout the universe should light penetrate.

Though the curious cat sees and envisions the moon as possibly his own, he is soon set straight in his thinking by the bird, tree, stars, and sky who all claim it is theirs and for their own specific reason for claiming ownership. Eventually, though, the Moon sets everyone straight in stating that he is no one's and that his glow is for everyone, everywhere.

A grand opportunity for parents and teachers to share with young readers and listeners to the story that all that is in nature is everyone's to enjoy and appreciate - the sun, moon, stars, clouds, light, dark, air, wind, warmth, etc.

A lovely  book for ages 3 to 7.

About the book:  Kim Krans’s stunning picture book WHOSE MOON IS THAT? addresses the question: do any of us “own” nature?

When a curious cat asks the question, "Whose moon is that?", a panoply of animals try to stake their claim. The wolf, the owl, and the starry sky all have their reasons, but the moon ultimately answers for herself -- her light is meant to be shared by everyone. The stunning ink-and-watercolor illustrations beautifully illuminate this simple exploration of our relationship to the world around us and our place in it.

DISCLOSURE: I received an advance review galley copy from Random House to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.