Over the Moon by James Proimos, Zoey Abbott
ISBN: 1452177155
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

There are many books for various ages titled “Over the Moon” but this one aimed at preschoolers will help them understand this expression as one of discovery and happiness. Two wolves find a baby floating in the river. They agree to take her home where the first wolf wants to “ …nourish her and teach her about good and evil, light and dark, right and wrong.” The second wolf, however, “…was planning on eating her.”  Readers will find the humor and sensitivity as the second wolf grows to love her as much as the first wolf. 

Simple cartoonish illustrations in soft colors on mostly double-page spreads show the various emotions of fear and comfort and curiosity.

Feels like a message for adults in a book aimed at children, but it could be used as a warm, snuggly book to show preschoolers (and their caregivers) that separation is natural: they do grow up, find other interests, go to school, and learn to read, but still come home to where they are loved. Each time this reviewer reads this book, she enjoys it more.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town