The Moon's Almost Here - Hardcover

MacLachlan, Patricia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1481420623 ISBN 13: 9781481420624

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2016

Synopsis

Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan and Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola have joined forces to create a stunning and lyrical new bedtime picture book that’s sure to become an instant classic.

The moon’s almost here.
Robin sings in her nest.
Babies fly back to her,
ready to rest.

The moon’s almost here.
There’s no time to play.
Mama sheep hurries;
Sun’s going away.

Nighttime is approaching as each animal readies itself for bed in this lyrical picture book text by Patricia MacLachlan. In striking paintings with a calming palette, Tomie dePaola imagines the scene through the eyes of mime Pierrot and his child.

About this title

About the Author

Patricia MacLachlan is the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb’s Story; Edward’s Eyes; The True Gift; Waiting for the Magic; White Fur Flying; and Fly Away. She lives in western Massachusetts.

Tomie dePaola is one of the most popular children’s book authors and illustrators of our time and the winner of the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award (formerly known as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award), among other lifetime achievement awards. A Newbery Honor winner, he has written and illustrated a number of books, including Caldecott Honor book Strega Nona and its companions, as well as Oliver Button Is a Sissy; The Legend of Old Befana; The Clown of God; Michael Bird-Boy; Andy, That’s My Name; and the New York Times bestseller Quiet. A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and now lives in New London, New Hampshire. Visit him online at Tomie.com and TomiesBlog.Blogspot.com.

Review

"[T]he illustrations are undeniably lovely and the words flow smoothly and soothingly. . . .", Kirkus Reviews

*"It’s nearly time for the moon to rise, and all of nature knows what that means. “The moon’s almost here./ Mama duck drifts to shore,” writes Newbery Medalist MacLachlan in lullaby-like verse. “Ducklings swim after:/ One, two, three, and four.” . . . . Witnessing it all are two figures: a redheaded boy in an old-fashioned nightgown and an adult in a white clown outfit and white makeup. Adult readers may recognize the latter as the iconic pantomime character Pierrot, cast as a doting father . . . . dePaola’s openhearted, virtuosic artistry reveals a deep connection between the pair, with the boy often echoing his father’s theatrical miming gestures. Together, pictures and text establish their own reality—one that’s immensely reassuring.", Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"This enchanting bedtime tale is sure to lead sleepyheads to dreamland. . . . MacLachlan and dePaola, who have a handful of major awards between them, are popular enough on their own; this collaboration will certainly draw a crowd.", Booklist

"MacLachlan’s lyrical text combines with ethereal illustrations by dePaola in this simultaneously nostalgic and fresh bedtime book.", Horn Book

About this edition

• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1481420623
• ISBN 13: 9781481420624
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: DePaola Tomie