Max and the Tag-Along Moon
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. Preschool-Grade 2. --Lolly Gepson