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How the Moon Regained Her Shape Reviews and Endorsements |
REVIEWS
About Families Magazine - March 2008 Once the moon was so happy she danced across the sky sharing her gentle light with the world. Then one day, she danced across the face of the sun. The sun became angry and called the moon names and told her to get out of the way. The harsh words of the sun made the moon feel very sad and she began to get smaller and smaller. She no longer felt like dancing. After meeting the Native American woman, Round Arms, who explains that while the sun has a bad temper and sometimes says mean things, there are others in the world who love her and are waiting to see her dance across the sky again. How the Moon Regained Her Shape is a beautifully told story that teaches children about the mysteries of the every changing moon while addressing the problem of bullying and the importance of friendship. -Bobbi Carducci
Chicago Parent - April 2008 April 22 is Earth Day so this story could be used in connection with it. Learning links and activities to use with the story can be found at SylvanDellPublishing.com. In this story, sun tells moon she isn’t needed because people just need the sun to grow crops. When comet hears moon’s story, she sends moon to visit Round Arms on earth. Round Arms takes moon around where she first met the artist Painted Deer who was having trouble painting because he wanted the effect of moonlight to finish his picture. At the next stop, mother rabbit is disappointed because her family needs moonlight to gather food. Moon realizes that both the sun and the moon have jobs to do. In the glossary, readers learn words pertaining to the moon and its phases.
Children’s Literature- 2006 In this story, based on Native American Folklore, the moon is happily passing across the sky when she bumps into the sun. The sun is irritated and points out that he’s needed to grow crops, but no one really needs the moon for anything useful. Crestfallen, the moon slowly loses her energy and confidence. Her friend comet appears, concerned for her well-being and sends her to a woman who is able to show the moon all the people and animals that really do love and need her. Moon regains her shape and returns to dance across the sky. In this way, the cycle and shapes of the changing moon are explained. At the end of the story are five pages “For Creative Minds” that include a detailed explanation of the moon’s cycle along with suggested activities and projects for readers who would like to learn more about the moon. The author also included a definition and description of bullying, explaining that people who are bullied need the love and support of their friends, as the moon did when the sun bullied her. This is a simple but lovely story all on its own, but the addition of the last few pages makes this a book useable by primary and intermediate students alike. It is both a read aloud for story time and a great starting point for intermediate classes beginning research on the moon and planets. The illustrations are done in a variety of media that provide a look that is almost, but not quite, like cut paper. Hodson gives his pictures depth and shadows that appear to have them leaping off the page. This is a wonderful story with outstanding illustration and usefulness. –Sharon Oliver. Bookbuds That mean ol' Sun, always flaring up at everyone. He roars at Moon, getting her all out of shape. But when she sees how many friends she has among animals and people on Earth, she perks up, poor girl. Told and drawn as a Native American folk tale (I'm thinking Pacific Northwest?), the story should help kids understand how they can retreat from bullies and stick by the folks who love them. And, oh yeah, there's all these cool phases of the moon to learn about too. As with most titles from this publisher, there's nifty facts and project ideas in the back. Go to the online review
Resource Links- February 2007 The moon has been hurt. The sadness she carries transforms her shape. Once a round moon, she starts decreasing in size after and unkind encounter with the sun. With the help of friends in the sky, and on earth, she heals. From this encounter, she learns new ways to overcome adversity.
Reading Tub - Sept 2008 Summary: The moon loved to dance. She was full of happiness, until one day she crossed in front of the sun. The moon was deeply hurt by the sun's mean words, and she began shrinking. It wasn't until a comet friend encouraged her to visit Round Arms that she understood how the world appreciated her. This is an illustrated story drawing on Native American folklore to explain the phases of the moon. Type of Reading: bedtime story, anytime reading, family reading, read aloud book, early reader Recommended Age: read together: 5 to 8; read yourself: 7 to 10 Age of Child: Started reading with girl nearly 7 years old. Little Kid Reaction: Our daughter enjoyed looking at the illustrations, and we often stopped to answer her questions. She immediately recognized the sun's actions as being a bully, and we used the opportunity to practice other ways to tell someone what we think/feel. We let our child pick her books each evening, and she picked this one nearly every night for a week. Big Kid Reaction: This is a nice twist on the traditional folktale about the moon. The illustrations add to distinguishing the book, as the moon is dressed in colorful garb. We also like the lesson that even on a bad day, there are people who love you, and that love should fill your heart. Pros: Kids will be drawn to this story by the bright, cheerful illustrations. Thanks to the information in the back, they can learn about the moon's cycles. Cons: In reading the For Creative Minds section in the back, I was surprised that there was no information about folklore. The blurb about bullies almost seems like an add-on and doesn't fit with the rest of the content in this section. If self esteem is a key part of the story, then this needs to be expanded. Borrow or Buy: Borrow, at least. This is a great book to have at home, but it most definitely needs to be in the school or public library. Educational Themes: This is a book to be enjoyed on several levels. You can draw out more on the bullying theme, as well as talk about folktales. The book makes it easy to overlay traditional history (i.e., how people explained events through stories) with scientific exploration. The material about the moon and its phases is fascinating, and the projects are great. I love the idea of moon cookies! Notes: Flesch Kincaid reading level 2.7 Literary Categories: fiction - picture book, nature, folklore, moon Go to review online
Heartland Reviews
Front Street Reviews- January 17, 2007 Author Janet Ruth Heller and illustrator Ben Hodson have created an exquisite teaching tool in the children's book How the Moon Regained Her Shape. Part astronomy lesson, part history lesson, part fable, this Native American folktale personifies the Moon as a victim of bullying by the Sun. As the Moon progresses through her monthly phases, she walks a path of self discovery and builds self confidence so that she may shine brightly once more. At the end of the story, there are pages explaining moon cycles in depth and venturing further into Native American folklore. There are also activities to enhance the reader's understanding of moon phases. The information and activities are available for download at the publisher's website, which also contains links to various websites related to the story that can be very useful for educators. Children will enjoy the illustrations and engaging story while parents and teachers will appreciate the learning opportunities provided. I would have to say that this is a tale for all ages. My five-year-old and eight-year-old both loved the story and plan to read it again and again. I found myself gazing at the beautiful artwork as I read it aloud. The pictures and the story complement each other perfectly, fully conveying the personalities and emotions of the characters. The publisher's website provides an incredible amount of resources and teaching tools beneficial to home schoolers and teachers. The book creators and publisher have produced an invaluable instrument in children's education. -Sabrina Williams Science Books & Films (SB&F)- October, 2006 Exploration of the Moon is now very much in the news, with a European spacecraft now there, and the planned launch of unmanned probes by India, China, Japan, the United States, and possibly, by Russia. In addition, the U.S. exploration program calls for a manned return to the Moon by 2018, and Europe and China are also considering such an effort. Therefore, a book that stimulates the interest of young people to learn more about Earth's nearest neighbor is welcome.
The Edge of the Forrest- January 2007 How the Moon Regained her Shape is a charming tale about the moon, bullies, and finding your true worth. The moon was a happy, dancing creature. Until the day she crossed paths with the sun: "The earth darkened, and the sun spoke angrily to the moon. 'You ugly scarecrow! People on earth need me to grow their crops. But no one needs you. Get out of my way!'" The moon, dejected, retreats to the earth, unable to continue her dancing. Fortunately, a comet sees the moon and decides to intervene. He takes her to a woman named Round Arms who feeds the moon mint and ginger tea (my favorite!) and tells her the sun is often bad-tempered. Then she introduces the moon to people who love her—the artist, the rabbits, who use the moon's light to know it's safe outside, singers and dancers. Soon the moon understands she's important too and returns to the sky. How the Moon Regained her Shape is based on a Native American folktale and Hodson's illustrations fit the text. Inspired by Native American art, the paintings are rich and stylized. Each illustration looks like a moment frozen in time. At the end of the story a five-page "For Creative Minds" section is appended, including facts about the moon, projects (like "edible moon cookies"), a phases of the moon chart, and a note on bullies. How the Moon Regained her Shape is perfect for the four-to eight-year-old audience and would work especially well with school and library units on either the moon or bullies. -Kelly Herold Go to the Online Review The story is intended for ages 6 to 10 and can be used in any educational setting. The hardback book sells for $15.95, and the paperback sells for $8.95. It was selected by the Society of Illustrators 2006 The Original Art Exhibition and was a Book Sense Summer 2006 Children's Pick. Additional "Learning Links" and "Teaching Activities" can be found on Sylvan Dell Publishing's website. Colorful, detailed illustrations and an engaging and expressive story line make it possible for every learner to enjoy this product. Having an interest in the Native American culture, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was an engaging and fun read. I also enjoyed the illustrations on each page. The different patterns, shapes, and figures represented the Native American culture well. Overall, I would recommend this story. It is one of seeing yourself as who you were created to be. It could be a great springboard for discussion on different cultures and beliefs, how to gain confidence, and how to see ourselves through the eyes of God. With the help of her friend the comet, and several other richly illustrated characters, the moon learns how important and loved she truly is. The moon slowly regains her self-confidence, and learns a valuable lesson in dealing with bullies. The phases of the moon are charted in the corner of each page, while at the back of the book is a section entitled "Creative Minds." Here you will find a variety of fun and educational activities including a chance to make a moon cycle circle, or to explore the Native American tribal names for each month's full moon. Armchair Interviews says: How the Moon Regained Her Shape is a lyrical and uplifting story to be shared with your 6 to 10 year old. -Jennifer Peacey Go to the online review
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database This simply written book is an excellent example of how to help children understand and overcome bullying. Self esteem is positively addressed in a strong, delightful tale. When the sun bullies the moon until the moon does not feel good about herself and becomes very small, it is time for action. Fortunately, a comet helps her. Through a visit to earth, the moon learns how an artist, some rabbits, and a hundred women depend on her light and want her to return to fullness. At the end of this earthly visit, the moon has regained her pride and sets out to shine again. However, from that point forward, she continues to shrink to smallness when she is insulted and then back to fullness when she regains her strength. This unique way to explain moon phases has long been part of Native American folklore. Fantastic artwork covers the pages with layered paper illustrations dressed in Native American design and colors. End pages contain extra information about moon phases and observations. Teachers and readers can check Sylvan Dell’s website for kid-friendly astronomy sites that extend the material in this book. The book is sure to be checked out many times, so make it a part of the elementary classrooms and libraries. -Nancy Garhan Attebury. Go to Children's Literature online To coincide with the Native American theme, we also have information pertaining to the lifestyles and surroundings of tribes who believed in keeping track of the seasons by naming each of the full moons. This is a lovely way for children to have an introduction into American Indian folklore. To keep in line with the National Curriculum in Citizenship, we have a parallel theme of bullying using the moon and sun as metaphors. In essence, the sun "bullies" the moon, who loses her shape and confidence and seeks allegiance in others to rekindle her sparkle. The illustrations are a combination of American Indian patterns and vivid colours. I think this book would be most valuable in the Key Stage 2 area, but I don't think older children would find it babyish as there are very sophisticated tasks in the back of the book that they could incorporate into a science lesson. Janet Ruth Heller is using her initiative by making her book not only visual, but also one containing kinaesthetic tasks that children can tackle hands on. Author Janet Ruth Heller tells the story very well. The collage illustrations, done in a Southwestern style create a good partnership with the text. Ben Hodson uses soft, low tone pastel colors to depict the seeming fragility of the moon. The information and activities at the back are a treasure trove for a seven or eight year old creating a report on the moon. This book is a welcome addition to any home or classroom library. -Judith Nasse Go to her website
Powell's Books- September 2006 How the Moon Regained Her Shape influenced by Native American folktales, is a delightful story that emphasizes dealing with adversity, building self-confidence, and understanding the phases of the moon. After the sun insults her, the moon gets very upset and disappears - much to the chagrin of rabbits who miss their moonlight romps. With the help of her friends, the moon gains more self-confidence each day until she is back to her full size. The For Creative Minds section explains the phases of the moon and helps to answer those pesky questions like ?why is the moon up during the day, or why does the shape of the moon change? Moon crafts and games supplement the understanding. Ages 6-10. Book Sense Nominee. Accelerated Reader. Recommended by: Heartland Reviews & Armchair reviews.
Book Talk This is the story about having confidence in who you are, about pride and loving friends. The story begins as the moon is dancing across the sky; she is round and full, filled with gentle light. The angry sun yells at her and calls her names. The moon takes the sun's angry words to heart and she becomes depressed. A comet friend comes along and offers a helping hand. He takes her to a Native American woman Round Arms, who explains about bad tempers and bullies. Round Arms takes the moon to visit many people who love and miss her. The artist needs her dreamlike light while painting the forest. The rabbits miss her moonbeams, making it safe for them to romp and play at night. As the moon hears all of these positive, loving words from friends who love her, she begins to laugh and grow larger. Regaining her self-confidence and her pride she understands that she should not let a bullies angry words hurt her or keep her from her friends.
Horn Book Guide- Fall 2006 Bullied by the sun, the once cheerful moon dwindles until helped by numerous women. Both the folktale-like story and the art are clearly influenced by Native American culture. The mixed-media illustrations are attractive.
Midwest Book Review- March 2006 How The Moon Regained Her Shape is a picturebook story influenced by Native American folklore. After the sun insults the moon, her pride is wounded and she disappears; yet with the help of all her friends and admirers, she gradually regains her full shape and size. The last few pages are a "for creative minds" section packed with astronomical definitions and simple projects that children can do pertaining to the moon, such as making moon cookies or viewing the moon's phases. The stylized artwork and the educational addendum perfectly complement this enchanting fairy tale. Go to the online review At the end of the story, there are pages explaining moon cycles in depth and venturing further into Native American folklore. There are also activities to enhance the reader's understanding of moon phases. The information and activities are available for download at the publisher's website, which also contains links to various websites related to the story that can be very useful for educators. Children will enjoy the illustrations and engaging story while parents and teachers will appreciate the learning opportunities provided. I would have to say that this is a tale for all ages. My five-year-old and eight-year-old both loved the story and plan to read it again and again. I found myself gazing at the beautiful artwork as I read it aloud. The pictures and the story complement each other perfectly, fully conveying the personalities and emotions of the characters. The publisher's website provides an incredible amount of resources and teaching tools beneficial to home schoolers and teachers. The book creators and publisher have produced an invaluable instrument in children's education.
Homeschool Kid Book Reviews - February 2008 How The Moon Regained Her Shape is about the moon being taunted by the Sun, and the Sun was saying mean things to the moon. The Moon lost her shape when the Sun did that to her. She began to shrink. And then the Moon went to earth, and she learned some lessons from Round Arms about the people that loved the Moon. And then she felt better.
ReviewYourBook.com - July 2008 “A Story About Self-Confidence, The Power of Words, and Compassion” 4 stars My pre-schoolers did not like this book. However, I believe this book is geared toward elementary school children. The story is influenced by a Native American folk tale. The illustrations and story keep the Native American theme throughout. In this story, the sun makes fun of the moon. The moon sulks and changes in size and shape. The moon finally realizes her wealth. She regains her shape and size. The illustrations are bright and bold. The words are simple to sound out. The theme is important. This is a book for all elementary school children—boys and girls. Teachers will be able to use the book in the classroom. Go to review online
Sabrina's Reviews - February 2008 How the Moon Regained Her Shape is a beautiful narrative about acceptance and self love with some science thrown in. I was delighted when I received this bookand my sons were excited as well. We opened the book right away and started reading. My sons, who are 5 and 2 were engrossed by the vivid pictures. We spent a lot of time discussing the colorful illustrations and what the story was about. The actual text was a little bit above my sons' concept level but they still enjoyed the time we spent reading. How the Moon Regained Her Shape... is very funny and it has a lesson to it. It's lesson is, that no matter how bad someone makes fun of you, you can always know people love you. I liked the part were [sic] people sing about her! I also like the pictures.
CM: Canadian Review of Materials - March 2008 But one day [the moon] danced across the face of the sun. The earth darkened and the sun spoke angrily to the moon. “You ugly scarecrow! People on earth need me to grow their crops. But no one needs you. Get out of my way!” How the Moon Regained Her Shape was published by Sylvan Dell Publishing in 2006 and has since been recognised with a number of awards. Written by Janet Ruth Heller and illustrated by Ben Hodson, How the Moon Regained Her Shape relates the story of how the moon responds to bullying insults uttered by the sun. The moon’s initial response is to withdraw, but, after encouragement from others, the moon eventually returns to the sky. The story is influenced by First Nation legends, and Heller’s sparse text has the “feel” of oral storytelling. The text features careful word choice that allows a great deal to be conveyed with relatively few words. In one example of the careful choice of words, Heller writes of a comet that sees the “dwindling moon dragging herself across the sky.” Used in this context, “dwindling” and “dragging” are evocative words that help the reader to develop a deep sense of the sorrow that the moon feels. Cheered by the encouragement of people and animals that miss the moon’s presence, the moon eventually decides to return to the sky. The moon reasons that the sun has a job to do, but that she also has a job to perform. The moon also has friends who admire her for the manner in which she performs her duty of lighting the night sky. These are, of course, important messages for all people to be aware of—we all have a role to play, and we should not allow bigger and brighter others to bully us into submission. The mixed media illustrations of Ottawa artist Ben Hodson feature acrylic paints, handmade papers, wallpaper, pencil crayons, gesso, ink, and glue on watercolour paper. Born of this elaborate combination, the illustrations are beautiful. The illustrations are reflective of what appears to be an Arizona desertscape, including such things as sand, sparse vegetation, roadrunners, mesas and buttes, coyotes and the occasional cactus. In addition, a three-dimensional, shadowed element to the illustrations is reflective of one influence that the sun and the moon have upon the earth, creating contrasting areas of light and darkness. An intriguing fore- and middle-ground palette of muted colours complements the dominant background colours. Without seeing the artwork, I would have had difficulty envisaging such beautiful illustrative co-existence of purples, pinks and blues, with liberally employed browns, greens and greys. It really does result in a visual feast and readers will be fascinated by the illustrations. The artwork is attractively framed with a colourful border design. The borders contain a depiction of the phases of the moon, reflecting the story protagonist’s changes throughout the book. At the end of the book, five pages of supplementary material are also included. Entitled “For Creative Minds,” this additional material enhances the educative value of the book and potentially increases the enjoyment readers will derive from Heller and Hodson’s work. Included among the end page material are various definitions and explanations, web links, illustrations, and activities. This is a book that can be put to good use in schools and libraries. It is a book that I recommend highly. Highly Recommended. -Gregory Bryan lives in Winnipeg, MB. He teaches children’s literature at the University of Manitoba.
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