Coyote Sings to the Moon [Hardcover]

Thomas King (Author), Johnny Wales (Illustrator)

Book Description

Wales's comical illustrations and King's skillful storytelling make this an ideal tale to be read aloud. Together, they ensure that "Coyote Sings to the Moon" will be a favorite with parents and children alike.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Despite his terrible singing voice, Coyote is offended when Old Woman doesn't invite him to join in and serenade Moon. His response is to insult Moon, driving her deep into a pond and plunging the world into darkness. A plot is hatched to try to bring her back, with Coyote's singing taking center stage. This story is far too long to be read aloud, and only determined independent readers will get through the stilted dialogue. The illustrations are beautifully rendered in smoky grays and browns that perfectly reflect the nighttime setting. Translucent brush strokes and lines give the images the distinctive look and feel of Japanese paintings. Coyote's sauciness and the moon's haughtiness are elegantly captured. The illustrations, however, cannot overcome the weaknesses of the plot. For a stunning telling of a moon folktale, try Margaret Hodges's Buried Moon (Little, Brown, 1990; o.p.).
Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

King is a writer, performer, photographer, and teacher.

Award-winning author Claire Mackay has published many critically acclaimed and popular historical books for young people, including titles in the "Horrible Canadian Histories" series (Scholastic, 2001). Her many awards include the Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work and the Ruth Schwartz Award for Best Children's Book. Her ancestors arrived in the Toronto area in 1791 and played a part in significant events such as the War of 1812.

Johnny Wales created the enchanting illustrations of old and new Toronto. His bird's-eye view of the famous Church and Front intersection, captured at eight different historic periods, tells its own story of the growth of the city. He is descended from Philip Eckardt, who arrived in the Toronto area in 1792 and went on to build the first parliament buildings.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Westwiinds Press; 1 edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558686428
• ISBN-13: 978-1558686427
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,474,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My child laughs so hard, April 22, 2005

By 

Ann Ginsberg (Ottawa, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coyote Sings to the Moon (Hardcover)

Every time I read this to my daughter she laughs so hard it takes a good long while to get her back into a quiet bedtime mood! We originaly bought the book for a friend who lives in the woods and loves animal stories, but we will just have to get her another copy as we cannot part with this one. This is a great book to read out loud and the language, tone and humour make it a joy for both the listener and the reader. It has easily become one of our favorite books in my daughter's library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coyote Sings to the Moon, September 27, 2002

By 

holley l schultz (st. catharines, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coyote Sings to the Moon (Hardcover)

This book.. will delight children.. and adults..

It tells a story that will delight and capture your imagination. This was the first book of Mr. Kings I hesitated to purchase. The cost of a children's book I thought was a tad high, and I have no little children around at the moment. But came across it for the 3rd time in one week and decided to purchase it... and after not only being totally delighted with the story, the manner it is written.. I must say I was impressed with the quality of the book it self. This book was made to endure the thousands of times little hands, and old alike will pick it up and become absorbed in this story. It will make you giggle.. chuckle.. and look at the sound of coyote singing to the moon.. in a whole new wonderful way. A true native story... in the most amazing way.. thank you Mr. King


Holley Schultz