Synopsis: The Man on the Moon and his little Moon Dog usually enjoy a peaceful life the only interruption being the noisy trouble making holidaymakers who descend once a year. This year the Moon Dog, bored by being indoors and fascinated by these visitors ventures outside has an adventure all of his own.

Review: Not only has Helen Ward created a truly original and imaginative tale she has also bought together two strands of myth - the man in the moon and fairies - in an amusing and cautionary tale. The Man in the Moon and Moon Dog lead a happy and contented life on the moon, interrupted only once a year by holidaymakers. During this time the Man in the Moon locks himself comfortably inside his house with a big pile of good books and waits for the visitors to leave.

However, this year the visitors prove too intriguing for Moon Dog who is tempted out to see what is going on. He has such fun with his new friends he forgets about his loving owner and goes off for an adventure with his new friends. All is not what it seems and poor Moon Dog soon begins to feel sad and lonely.

The text of the story is simple and has been printed with a beautiful font, slanting, large and bold. There are certain words on each page that have been capitalized for no apparent reason other than that they emphasise aspects of the story. The language is simple and straightforward as are the concepts portrayed. My two favourite ideas are “rhumoonbarb” and “runner moonbeams”. In addition the beautiful illustration accompanying the text brings the story to life. Wayne Anderson’s illustration is soft and gentle whilst at the same time very intricate. The Man in the Moon is beautifully depicted and is likely to appeal the imagination of young readers and the fairies are both mischievous and fun. This is a beautifully imagined and told story that would make a perfect bedtime book for younger children and it would be an excellent story for the slightly older yet newly independent reader.

2006-10-17