From Publishers Weekly
Asch (the Moonbear books) is in top form with a child's simple yet lyrical paean to the sun's magic and usefulness. Following the sun from morning to night, the young narrator (of indeterminate sex) often gives way to whimsy, noting, for example, that when the sun's rays emanate from behind a cloud, "it plays hide-and-seek with me." But Asch also makes room for equally authentic observations that display a more scientific mind-set. To show that the sun's light "is bright and hot," the child focuses sunlight through a magnifying glass onto a leaf, causing it to smolder. And at night, the child points out, the sun doesn't really disappear, but rather "sends some light to keep me company" via the moon. Asch echoes this interplay between the factual and figurative in his mural-like pictures where he combines strong graphic lines with soft glowing colors. Radiating the calm coziness of a child who feels safe and secure enough in the world to explore and explain it, this volume warms the heart, in much the same way that its subject warms the earth. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K-The sun comes in the window, wakes up a little boy, and continues to play a central role throughout his day. It waits for him to come outside and even plays hide-and-seek. The large, bright watercolor drawings are enhanced through the use of computer technology. The spare text and the art, which dominates the pages and is bursting with color, make the book especially appealing to the youngest listeners. Children will enjoy following the main character as he travels through a typical day. They will readily relate to the pictures of the sun peeking through a hole in the fence and casting shadows on the wall. This book is well worth adding to any collection.
Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
