Night of the Moonjellies [Hardcover]

Mark Shasha (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

After the last customer at his Gram's hot dog stand is served, Mark, who is spending the summer with his grandparent, sails off with Gram and finds a nighttime sea full of moonjellies. Jr Lib Guild.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This beautifully illustrated picture book debut evokes the fullness of a New England childhood through descriptions of a single summer day. Seven-year-old Mark is helping at his grandmother's seaside hot dog stand, purveyor of "the best lobster rolls in New England." He finds "something that felt like jelly" on the beach, but further investigation is postponed by the hubbub at the stand: "Fries crackled. Cheeseburgers sizzled. 'More rolls!' called Uncle Al. 'Rushing through!' Gram said, carrying a kettle of clam chowder up front. 'Low on straws!' Rollie shouted. I hurried to fill the box." When the busy day ends, Gram and Mark take a boat out to sea, where Mark sees an oceanful of shimmering white lights--moonjellies--and returns his to the water. The text offers a wide range of tones, from soothing to stimulating, but the book's greatest strength lies in its artwork. Shimmering blues and greens suggest the iridescence of the tranquil night sea; vibrant reds and oranges capture the harried humans. A strongly atmospheric work. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- On his way to help grandmother and relatives at a seaside hot dog stand, seven-year-old Mark stops on the beach to pick up a small jellylike substance that he places in a bag of seawater. A moonlight ride with Gram on a fishing boat takes them out on the ocean where thousands of moonjellies shimmer, and the boy slips his treasure back among them. Based on a childhood experience in New England, Shasha's narrative is full of small details that illuminate the story but don't impede it. His rich pastels combined with the text create a strong sense of place and time--the warmth of family relationships, the quiet companionship of the boy and his grandmother, the cheerful hard work and hustle-bustle of the concession stand, and the magic of the glowing sea. His use of light, shadows, and darkness in the luminous full-color double-page spreads invite readers right into the story. Unfortunately, neither the text nor the jacket notes identify exactly what a moonjelly is. Despite this omission, it's a strong debut. --Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Purple House Press; 10th edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930900163
• ISBN-13: 978-1930900165
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,085,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical memories, August 26, 2004

By 

cyber_dude "cyber_dude" (SHARON, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night of the Moonjellies (Hardcover)

Charming story capturing a magical childhood day. Makes you think about memories of special days from your own childhood, and family that have passed away. The details that are recounted would not be remembered by an adult experiencing them. Now that entire weeks seem to fly by faster than a single childhood day, this story will bring you back to a child's view of a slower moving world. Though a bit slow compared to what adults are used to as they go through the daily routine, my 4-year-old loves the pace of this book, and dwells on the details. The 'impressionist' illustrations are captivating, particularly the 'climax' page where the moonjellies light up the sea. The final page chokes me up a bit, as the grandmother attempts to 'bottle' memories of that special day for her grandson.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for boys, June 12, 2001

By 

Amy C. Unger-Weiss (La Mesa, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night of the Moonjellies (Paperback)

This book is a wholesome family and nature oriented book for boys 3-8 years old. My son has spent countless hours playing out the theme of this book - never tiring of the many options it offers. If you have a budding oceanographer or tide-pooling enthusiast this is the book for you. Any landlocked readers can enjoy the book just as well. The book's pictures fill the pages as well as the mind with dreamy images that bring the whole story to life. The words and images are really a hand and glove that make a perfect fit. The book also models working together as a family and that children can have an important place in helping. Grandma's get a boost here too as quick and creative planners. Nigth of the Moonjellies is also a gentle reminder to save some of the present for the future, without heavy sentimentality. A great book to read if you include any aquariums in your vacations. Don't forget about Aliki's great "My Visit to the Aquarium" book.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely beautiful!, October 25, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Night of the Moonjellies (Hardcover)

Our children (ages 3 and 5) LOVE this book. And so do I. The illustrations are gorgeous. The story is fantastic. And what makes it even more nice is that it's true. This is one of our favorite children's books. Our kids ask for this time and time again.