Every month has a full moon, and every full moon has a story. Full Moon Lore explores the origins of each full moon's name, from the Strawberry Moon to the Wolf Moon and beyond. Told in rolling prose with delightful nighttime illustrations, this story is a sweet look at nature, seasons, and the mystery of the full moon. Includes Moon Facts and additional backmatter.
This was a book that I was definitely interested in since I love to learn about the different full moon names and was intrigued to see what a beautifully covered book would display. Would there be anything new that I hadn't known about, what range of names would we be looking at and how would the author describe these names? So many questions when you look at a promising book like this.
First of all what I found interesting was the fact it starts off with what I believe is a grandfather reading to his granddaughter the same book the reader is now holding. It isn't often you find the book included within itself but it was charming although to be truthful I probably would have preferred the same scenario but instead where they may be around a fire or looking up to the skies - something with a bit more personal history such as from a farmer for the gathered wisdom of the years instead of reading the same from a book. Just my ancient roots preferences showing....
From there the book goes into an indepth look of presenting each moon on a two-page spread. The illustrations cover the page with the exception of a box that includes the name of the moon, the month and then a description that describes what the moon may be doing, how the land looks and how the name of the moon was derived from events going on such as a maple tree tapper and his son collecting sap for maple syrup in March. Furthermore there are mentions of the equinoxes and solstices at the right time as well.
The writing really didn't catch my eyes as much for in a sense it was plainly written as well as done in just statement form. As a result there wasn't much flow but a bit of Howard Stern voice to the text. Even so I was willing to give the book four stars just for the illustrations alone.
These illustrations cover the majority of the book. They are beautifully done, detailed and in a sense if it wasn't for the writing could have made for some beautiful posters. But what really captured my eyes was the details given to the moon's coloration, the detail to its lunar face, the halo reach for these are actual moon colors and shapes I have seen in my own study of the sky. The pristine whiteness of a clear night, the goldish cream of a winter's night, the soft golden pearls of other nights and a beautifully done actual reddish colored moon for September. Although these illustrations are between the cream of the crop when it comes to moon books for children I honestly think the best one in this particular book would be the harvest moon with the bright pumpkin as a focal and the lightly colored grains and other produce to emphasize its beauty as the moon looks down. Complete gorgeousness....
So why did I give it three stars if I am so in love with the illustrations and was willing to overlook the shortcomings of the text? Basically the moon that took my last rating away was the inclusion of the blue moon and the fact they chose to make it actually look like a blue moon when it most definitely isn't colored that way. Why? Why did you have to take all your credibility and include that particular mishap?
Otherwise the book does end on a listing of the full moon names (although it gives the location where the story takes place it doesn't explain which set of names were used) and also on a box of moon facts. The latter I really did appreciate reading more of and it was presented in a way that didn't take away from the book.
I would definitely say this is a stepping stone book just since of the blue moon's inclusion and the stilted writing but one I would still recommend just since of the illustrations. The illustrator's artwork captures not only animals like the luna moth, birds, rabbits and plants so well but also the moon's ever-changing appearance that this is one book that really could have been just a picture book instead of a written book on the subject.
This book shares the beauty and wonder of the full moon, and how it's given a name for each month, for example the full month of September is known as Harvest Moon as it brings the Autumnal Equinox. This book provides several facts about the moon, and even the Blue that comes around once every 2.7 years.
“People long ago kept track of the seasons by giving each full moon a special name.” Thus begins this attractive and educational overview of the monthly full moons. Each two page spread features an outdoor scene in mostly deep hues of blues, greens and purples that will resonate with anyone who has ever spent time in the quiet beauty of a moonlit night. A text box tells about the annual events that gave rise to each moon’s name. For instance, April’s Pink Moon refers to the pink spring blossoms that shine in the moonlight, while the Cold Moon is named for the winter cold that takes hold in December. The rare Blue Moon (once every 2.7 years) when a second full moon arrives in a single month is described last. A final page restates months and names, defines equinox and solstice, and provides a few additional facts. Recommend to young people from about age 4 to 6 who would enjoy finding out about nature from a beautifully illustrated, informative book.
Wahi, Ellen Full Moon Lore, Illustrated by Ashley Stewart PICTURE BOOK Sleeping Bear Press, 2017. $16.99. Content: G
The bright glow of the moon has lit up the Earth and influenced all that walk upon it. Take a journey through the year and learn about each month’s full moon. Each full moon that appears in the night sky has a meaningful name and a story. From the frosty January Wolf Moon to October’s autumn Hunter’s Moon, learn about the myths and the facts of Earth’s beautiful neighbor.
Lovely illustrations accompany a book that will appeal to readers interested in science and/or lore. The names and stories of each full moon is married well with scientific facts about the moon and its place in the universe. A simple but pleasing introduction to astronomy for young readers.
Each page of this book covers a different full moon and gives an explanation about why the moon was given their name, for example the strawberry moon is in June when the berries are ripe and ready to be picked. I enjoy the illustrations, especially of the animals and their environments, although I wish that there was some diversity when it came to the people shown. This is a topic that I haven't seen covered much in children's books and this might be one of the only children's books that I've seen mention the equinoxes and solstices, which I appreciate. I hope to add this book to my library.
This is such an enchanting, beautifully illustrated book! Each double-page takes readers through the monthly full moons, each with its own name, and rhythmic rationale for such categorization. Recommended for homes and families especially interested in seasonal living, Waldorf-inspired teachings, and North American lore.
This was another cool and beautifully illustrated read. We learned about a bunch of different moon phases (I don’t know if that’s the right word but I’ll use it haha). It was a bit long to hold my 6 year olds attention but the pretty illustrations helped with that. We would still recommend the book to others.
Really loved the artwork and the prose. Wouldn't be a bad bedtime story, actually. The additional moon facts in the back are great! I know a few different names for some of these moons, but it's all a good story.
This gorgeous picture book is all about the stories for the moon in each month of the year. Each double page spread has beautiful illustrations as well as stories about the moon that month. At the end, there are facts about the moon. Lovely!
The illustrations were wonderful. This book is full of facts about the moon and is a great read to children of different ages. I enjoyed this book as a bedtime story with my children and my son loved learning the names of the different full moons for every month. Definitely recommend.
Beautiful illustrations alongside the names of the moon in each month! I hadn't heard of these before--other than Harvest and Blue Moon. It's fun to learn the names, and would be really fun to learn with a child.
The Wolf Moon. The Flower Moon. The Harvest Moon. And the elusive, mysterious Blue Moon.
Stories and legends about the moon have long fascinated me. This charming children's book takes readers through the year month by month and moon by moon. Enchanting illustrations of gardens, animals, and of course, the moon accompany simple yet vivid descriptions of our much loved night light in the sky and the lore passed on from generation to generation.
I looked out my window tonight and saw the most gorgeous moon peeking from behind the clouds, had to race home and find a full moon-themed book to read to the grandkids! This one was lovely, just a synopsis of the various names for each full moon, a nice "starter" for further discussions.
Lovely illustrations set the tone for this sweetly soft look at the full moon of each calendar month, with its related name and back story. Nature is the focus as readers learn about the Snow Moon, Strawberry Moon, Sap Moon, Harvest Moon, and others, while back matter offers additional information.
This is a remarkably gorgeous children's book. This is a story book that will spark your child's sense of wonder, and educate them about some astronomy terms. I love a book that teaches something, that is rather practical. The concept of this book is rather fun. Every month has a moon. As you read the book, you take a journey across the year's calendar. You will learn the reason, or folklore behind each names, some cool facts about it also. My favorites were January's wolf moon, and the brilliant illustration that followed. Sap moon was a wonderful story of the time of the Vernal Equinox, and the story of winters arrival. Cold moon was a December moon winter is in full arrival. Although these are my favorite all of them will bring your child joy.
The art work in this children's book is incredible. I was blown away by the detail included in each page. There is so much for your child to look at, and take in. The art work will spark their imagination and bring the entire story to life for them. Each Page has corner to corner illustrations and no detail is spared.