Moon is a tender story that wraps its pages gently around the relationship between a father and son, spreading the message about the importance of our relationships with family and providing a way we can remain close, even when we are far apart. It is always difficult to say goodbye, especially when one of your parents must travel away for work and you don't really have an understanding of how long they will be gone for. By making the moon a central presence in this book we travel across the land and sea as Max and his Dad find a way to connect despite the distance.
The author, Matt Zurbo has given the moon a voice in this elegantly written story that beautifully reveals the nature of the moon while reflecting the constant love a father has for his son.
The initial pages sensitively depict the emotions of Max after he waves goodbye to his Father and waits to hear from him as the sun sets and the moon rises. Sadami Konchi's loose, sketchy, watercolour illustrations saturate every page with colour and life. The double page spreads are breathtaking and the captivating text succinctly portrays the moon's moods as it spreads its soft light across the Australian landscape.
I have a special affinity for this story as my daughter loves the moon. She is fascinated by the way it accompanies us when we are driving at night, apparently travelling with the car, and she is always delighted when it is waiting for us at our destination. There is definitely something mystical and magical about the moon and this book certainly captures that and more.
Title: Moon
Author: Matt Zurbo
Illustrator: Sadami Konchi
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, $23.75
Publication Date: 1st August 2015
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922081445
For ages: 5 - 8
Type: Picture Book
