How The Moon Regained Her Shape [Hardcover]

Janet Ruth Heller (Author), Ben Hodson (Illustrator) (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

How the Moon Regained Her Shape, influenced by Native American folktales, is a delightful story that emphasizes 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 the 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 “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,

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book is lavishly illustrated, by Ben Hodson... Very worthwhile are the instructions at the end of the book on how to observe the Moon, and projects for creating a lunar calendar and directions for illustrating the cycles of the Moon in the night sky. One would hope that the book would motivate young readers and their parents or teachers to learn more about the Moon, including following the space mission in progress and planned." --Science Books & Films

"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. 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. 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." --Children's Literature Review

"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. The book creators and publisher have produced an invaluable instrument in children's education." --Front Street Reviews

"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." --The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

From the Publisher

"How the Moon Regained Her Shape" is a 2006 Book Sense Summer Reads Pick and has been selected for the Society of Illustrators' 2006 The Original Art children's illustration exhibition. In addition, "Moon" is part of the Accelerated Reader program used in over 57,000 schools.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sylvan Dell Pub (February 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976494345
• ISBN-13: 978-0976494348
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,629,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take pride in who you are, March 14, 2006

By 

Shirley Labusier "Book Talk" (Ashley, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How The Moon Regained Her Shape (Hardcover)

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.

The "For Creative Minds" section in the back of this book was vetted for scientific accuracy by Dr. Wesley Swift, Jr., Director of the Von Braun Observatory.
Moon Observations & Fun Facts is part of this educational section. Native American names for full moons as well as moon projects, a lunar calendar, a recipe for moon cookies are just a few of the fun things you can enjoy with your child. A graph that helps you understand the moon is fun and informative.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming tale, March 16, 2007

By 

Kelly Herold "Big A little a" (Smalltown, Midwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How The Moon Regained Her Shape (Hardcover)

"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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewed by Sabrina Williams, January 23, 2007

By 

Front Street Reviews www.frontstreetreviews.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: How The Moon Regained Her Shape (Hardcover)

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.