Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead
Published by Neal Porter Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0823441601
Pages: 40
Goodreads

Recommending for cream of the crop consideration.  This picture book for young listeners from PreK to grade 2 has a gentle, ethereal feel that matches the off beat imagination of Harriet Henry, “Hank”, as she works through her performance anxiety of playing the cello.  Hank’s parents want her to perform one day and she only wants to play for herself.  In her mind she changes her parents into penguins and then goes to her room to practice.  She is distracted by an owl that leads her outside and into a relationship with Mister Moon, who is stuck in her chimney.  As they venture out to get Mister Moon a hat, a ride in a boat and eventually back into the sky with the help of the owls, Hank plays only for Mister Moon.   Repeat readings revealed details in the delicately placed illustrations.  The clear, matter of fact text matched with the whimsical faint colors of green and yellow hues bring Hank’s imagination to a perfect crescendo for practicing her cello.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library