(Weekly? Yes, weekly. I am adding a new feature to the good old blog. My hope is to every week (most likely on Wednesdays) to put out a fresh kid lit review.)
The Moon Shines Down is not completely authored by Ms. Brown. This super shiny book begins with a little note about where it came from. This picture book is based on a little forgotten poem found deep within a cedar chest that belonged to Margaret Wise Brown. Ms. Brown had written the manuscript in the fashion of the New England sampler prayer “God bless the moon and God bless Me”. However, the manuscript was short, so Laura Minchew (Children’s publisher) added to Margaret Wise Brown’s work. Here I usually cringe. Along with being a huge kid lit fan, I am also a die hard Jane Austen reader. Sanditon is a book that Ms. Austen had yet to finish and thus has been completed by many other terrific authors. Even my favorite rendition leaves me feeling uneasy. Was this what Jane Austen had intended for her well written characters? I will never know. So, when I read The Moon Shines Down I am overwhelmingly curious of where Margaret leaves off and where Laura picks up. Is this what the original author intended? Did she ever intended it published? We will never know.
But, on to the book…
The prayer/poem is elegantly written as we travel around the globe and meet the sleeping children that the moon shines down on. Linda Bleck’s bright, richly colorful pictures perfectly paint the simple and comforting feeling the book emanates. From the smiling Dutch cow, to the snoozing platypus, I am reminded of a baby’s nursery, soft, cozy and quaint. This book should not be used to explain other cultures, but is a great little “good night” book that does bring about a unifying spirit as we share the moon and the blessing from the God who watches it all. Perhaps it’s all of the Christmas trees and lights I have been seeing lately, but whatever the reason, my favorite line is…
“ The moon shines bright
On this Christmas night.
A caroler sings
By candlelight.
In my neighborhood,
The children dream
Of puppies, peppermints, and pretty things,
On this Holy Night
When all is right.”
Though I crave a Margaret Brown original, this book does not disappoint. I must give much credit to Laura Minchew for taking on a HUGE task, and I do think she found success at it. The blending of Margaret’s writings and Laura’s writings are seamless. Add Linda Bleck’s bright paintings and you have a lovely bed time picture book.
Definitely worth picking up.
Jenn, Imagination Celebrations
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