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Whose Moon Is That?
A stunning picture book that addresses the do any of us "own" nature? When a curious cat asks the question, "Whose moon is that?", a panoply of animals try to stake their claim. The wolf, the owl, and the starry sky all have their reasons, but the moon ultimately answers for herself -- her light is meant to be shared by everyone. Kim Krans's stunning ink-and-watercolor illustrations beautifully illuminate this simple exploration of our relationship to the world around us and our place in it.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Kim Krans
22 books229 followersKim Krans is an artist, author, and the creator of The New York Times bestseller, The Wild Unknown Tarot. Her publications include ABC Dream, 123 Dream, Hello Sacred Life, and the Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook. Along with husband and collaborator Arjan Miranda, Kim curates The Wild Unknown, an arts collective offering publications, artwork, music, and events that activate the forces of creativity and radical transformation.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Design*Sponge, and Marie Claire. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Find more of Kim's artwork, creations, and other modern tools for self-reflection through her website, www.thewildunknown.com.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Design*Sponge, and Marie Claire. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Find more of Kim's artwork, creations, and other modern tools for self-reflection through her website, www.thewildunknown.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 25, 2019
A curious cat wonders to whom the moon belongs in this poetic picture-book, finding many different answers as each animal or other being - the wolf, the tree, the ocean - claim the celestial body as its own. In the end the moon itself must step in and settle the dispute, stating that it belongs to all. Satisfied, the cat curls up for a nap, only to awaken with a new question: to whom does the sun belong...?
I enjoyed the text here, with its spare use of rhyme, and appreciated the story idea itself, with its emphasis on the moon and its light as something that can be enjoyed by all. The true standout of Whose Moon Is That? however, is author/illustrator Kim Krans' gorgeous artwork! The use of color - again, sparingly - the depiction of the various animals, it was all quite magical, perfectly capturing the feeling of the narrative. Recommended to all young moon watchers, and to anyone looking for picture-books addressing big ideas.
I enjoyed the text here, with its spare use of rhyme, and appreciated the story idea itself, with its emphasis on the moon and its light as something that can be enjoyed by all. The true standout of Whose Moon Is That? however, is author/illustrator Kim Krans' gorgeous artwork! The use of color - again, sparingly - the depiction of the various animals, it was all quite magical, perfectly capturing the feeling of the narrative. Recommended to all young moon watchers, and to anyone looking for picture-books addressing big ideas.
August 23, 2017
As a parent of three and now the happy Nonna of a soon to be three-year old granddaughter, I can tell you WHY is a big part of our day. In WHOSE MOON IS THAT? Kran tackles the question who owns the moon. Set in the forest, this beautifully illustrated novel shares the enchanting story of animals and the land laying claim to the moon and her brilliant response. Krans message of sharing these wonders and that they belong to all of us offered teachable moments while delighting the Royals. (my grandchildren)
The story is told in simple verse. For example, "Is this a joke?" The mountain spoke. "It's mine. It's only fair!" and "Now, I am appalled," the ocean called. "None if this is true! I reflect its light on my waves all night. It does not belong to you!" I loved the moon's response and of course once that question is solved the curious cat asked another, "Whose sun is that?" When I asked my granddaughter, "Whose sun is it?" she yelled, "Everyones." Message delivered.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The story is told in simple verse. For example, "Is this a joke?" The mountain spoke. "It's mine. It's only fair!" and "Now, I am appalled," the ocean called. "None if this is true! I reflect its light on my waves all night. It does not belong to you!" I loved the moon's response and of course once that question is solved the curious cat asked another, "Whose sun is that?" When I asked my granddaughter, "Whose sun is it?" she yelled, "Everyones." Message delivered.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 15, 2019
Curious cats and moons are two of Eamon’s favourite things in the world, so this was a natural book present. Lo and behold, it’s also stunningly beautiful art, and a message that some things are for all, and one, and none of us — rather than protective possession.
I also love that the author dedicated the books to her curious cats. And perhaps my favourite page is of the stunningly cosmic stars...
I also love that the author dedicated the books to her curious cats. And perhaps my favourite page is of the stunningly cosmic stars...
January 13, 2024
The artwork alone is enough reason to give this book 5 stars.
April 30, 2018
Gorgeous watercolor and ink illustrations.
August 12, 2017
How timely here in August 2017 to have a picture book that addresses the question of ownership of the Moon. The full moon of August 2017 is especially stunning and during August the moon will eclipse the Sun in an amazing display. As our interest in the Moon turns our eyes heavenward, it is appropriate for children to learn much about the Moon and to give reason to the fact that the Moon is not his or hers and that it belongs to everyone.
I love how the story is told in short lines of lyric verse that flow easily throughout. The illustrations in black ink against white with stunning blues, black, and brilliant water colors are integrated to capture the darkness that is "the night" and the colors one might see throughout the universe should light penetrate.
Though the curious cat sees and envisions the moon as possibly his own, he is soon set straight in his thinking by the bird, tree, stars, and sky who all claim it is theirs and for their own specific reason for claiming ownership. Eventually, though, the Moon sets everyone straight in stating that he is no one's and that his glow is for everyone, everywhere.
A grand opportunity for parents and teachers to share with young readers and listeners to the story that all that is in nature is everyone's to enjoy and appreciate - the sun, moon, stars, clouds, light, dark, air, wind, warmth, etc.
A lovely book for ages 3 to 7.
DISCLOSURE: I received an advance review galley copy from Random House to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
I love how the story is told in short lines of lyric verse that flow easily throughout. The illustrations in black ink against white with stunning blues, black, and brilliant water colors are integrated to capture the darkness that is "the night" and the colors one might see throughout the universe should light penetrate.
Though the curious cat sees and envisions the moon as possibly his own, he is soon set straight in his thinking by the bird, tree, stars, and sky who all claim it is theirs and for their own specific reason for claiming ownership. Eventually, though, the Moon sets everyone straight in stating that he is no one's and that his glow is for everyone, everywhere.
A grand opportunity for parents and teachers to share with young readers and listeners to the story that all that is in nature is everyone's to enjoy and appreciate - the sun, moon, stars, clouds, light, dark, air, wind, warmth, etc.
A lovely book for ages 3 to 7.
DISCLOSURE: I received an advance review galley copy from Random House to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
June 20, 2018
First sentence: "Whose moon is that?" asked the curious cat.
Premise/plot: A curious cat starts an argument when he asks 'Whose moon is that?' EVERYONE has an opinion--the tree, the mountain, a bird, a bear, an ocean.What will stop the argument? Is it the moon's answer or the rising sun?
My thoughts: It was okay for me. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. I am not the ideal audience for books where oceans and trees speak...and speak in rhyme. Animal fantasy is one thing but I have limits to how far I can suspend my disbelief.
Also I would have appreciate MORE cat and less everything else. A dialogue where the cat stays in the conversation would have been better in my opinion. I say this because IF you are going to show a picture of a cat on the cover of a book, the cat should feature prominently in the book.
Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
Premise/plot: A curious cat starts an argument when he asks 'Whose moon is that?' EVERYONE has an opinion--the tree, the mountain, a bird, a bear, an ocean.What will stop the argument? Is it the moon's answer or the rising sun?
My thoughts: It was okay for me. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. I am not the ideal audience for books where oceans and trees speak...and speak in rhyme. Animal fantasy is one thing but I have limits to how far I can suspend my disbelief.
Also I would have appreciate MORE cat and less everything else. A dialogue where the cat stays in the conversation would have been better in my opinion. I say this because IF you are going to show a picture of a cat on the cover of a book, the cat should feature prominently in the book.
Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
April 9, 2019
Beautifully written and illustrated. I would love to own this book. The curious cat looks up at the moon and wonders whose moon is that. Love the ending to and the rhymes are not force.
I will be using this in my NatureConnect program this summer.
I will be using this in my NatureConnect program this summer.
August 29, 2017
Wonderful pictures and a great question to dwell on.
September 25, 2017
Animals and other parts of nature claim the moon as their own.
October 24, 2017
Stunning art and this reads very well out loud--nice rhythm. I don't think I would use this for a group, but a terrific lap book for a preschoolers.
August 9, 2017
This book is about a cat who wonders to whom the moon belongs, and various animals and natural resources respond -- the trees, bird, ocean, wolves... and the moon responds. The cat sleeps, and when it wakes up, it wonders, to whom the sun belongs. Lovely use of line and color in these illustrations which capture your attention.
I wish that all picture books included notes about the artistic technique. I think this is watercolors and ink or pencil. Whatever it is -- the result is lovely.
Only one thing bothers me, and I'm not even sure about it, but it appears to me that the lining paper illustrations that go through the phases of the moon are progressing in the wrong direction, with the white appearing to grow from the left instead of from the right as the moon waxes towards the full moon. If I am looking at it right (the dark is not shown as solid, but with dots of increasing density, so it is a little unclear), the progression is opposite that. So I had to reluctantly change my rating from 5 to 4. Most people will probably not even notice, but if you are reading this book in conjunction with many stories about the Moon, the Solar System, or Space, as I would do, I would either point this out or be extra cautious not to show the lining papers, as it would counteract the effort I do in using Oreo cookies or other ways to have children learn phases of the moon so they can look at the sky and figure for themselves, is the moon moving towards Full moon or waning towards another New Moon. It could be easily remedied in future printings if the author/illustrator takes note.
I wish that all picture books included notes about the artistic technique. I think this is watercolors and ink or pencil. Whatever it is -- the result is lovely.
Only one thing bothers me, and I'm not even sure about it, but it appears to me that the lining paper illustrations that go through the phases of the moon are progressing in the wrong direction, with the white appearing to grow from the left instead of from the right as the moon waxes towards the full moon. If I am looking at it right (the dark is not shown as solid, but with dots of increasing density, so it is a little unclear), the progression is opposite that. So I had to reluctantly change my rating from 5 to 4. Most people will probably not even notice, but if you are reading this book in conjunction with many stories about the Moon, the Solar System, or Space, as I would do, I would either point this out or be extra cautious not to show the lining papers, as it would counteract the effort I do in using Oreo cookies or other ways to have children learn phases of the moon so they can look at the sky and figure for themselves, is the moon moving towards Full moon or waning towards another New Moon. It could be easily remedied in future printings if the author/illustrator takes note.
August 4, 2017
When the cat asks aloud who the moon belongs to, he gets many different answers. The tree and bird both insist the moon is theirs. The bear claims to have seen it first while the stars say it’s theirs because they hold it. The wolf insists that it helps him howl, so it’s his. Even the ocean thinks it is theirs because they reflect the moonlight. But the moon itself soon sets things straight and explains that the moon belongs to no one and to everyone. Still, the cat awakes the next morning with a new question about the sun!
This picture book about the moon is written in rhyming couplets that are not forced or unnatural. The book flows nicely from one natural figure to the next, each insisting that the moon is theirs with rhythm and rhyme. The illustrations are a mix of detailed fine-ink black and white with dramatic watercolor backgrounds that at times are almost tie-dyed and a mix of deep and bright colors.
A lovely bedtime book that will be welcomed especially on moonlit nights. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
This picture book about the moon is written in rhyming couplets that are not forced or unnatural. The book flows nicely from one natural figure to the next, each insisting that the moon is theirs with rhythm and rhyme. The illustrations are a mix of detailed fine-ink black and white with dramatic watercolor backgrounds that at times are almost tie-dyed and a mix of deep and bright colors.
A lovely bedtime book that will be welcomed especially on moonlit nights. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
August 21, 2017
Sumptuous ink and watercolor illustrations complement a story about ownership. A cat is enchanted by the moon's beauty and wonders aloud about who owns the moon. Various animals claim ownership and bicker for a short time. Finally, the moon enters the fray and points out that no one can possibly own the moon. What I particularly liked was how the moon reminds the animals that they are missing out on life by fighting over who owns the moon. The issue of ownership is a very sticky thing, and it may be that we are better off being mindful of the necessity of careful stewardship toward the things in nature that surround us while recognizing that some things cannot--and should not--be owned by one person. There's a meditative quality to this picture book that pushes readers to think hard about the cat's question, one posed at the start of the book and one at its conclusion.
August 28, 2017
““Whose moon is that?” asked the curious cat.” A nearby tree claims it, and indeed the moon appears to be perched in the tree’s branches. But then bird, bear, mountain, and stars each speak up to state that the moon is actually theirs. After a wolf and even the ocean join in, the moon finally speaks up and announces that it actually belongs to all who see it. In a humorous twist at the end, the cat wakes up the next morning and spotting the morning light, asks who owns the sun. Readers familiar with Krans’ ABC Dream will recognize her talented hand in the illustrations. The velvety night sky is rendered in textured deep blues on black with a white multitude of stars, while the pale cratered moon features a dramatic corona of rainbow hues.
November 21, 2017
You know, I have asked my 8th grade students a similar question about the ocean. Who owns the ocean? Who is responsible for it? Should anyone or everyone be? This was often at the beginning of our deeper dive into ocean learning and personalized connections. This book, "Whose Moon is That?" reminded me of those days, so I instantly loved it. Starting with an open-ended question is a great way to connect to students' background knowledge, wonderings, and possible misconceptions. The fact that the author uses animals to fight over ownership is a good connection to a young audience, for they typically love all things animals. They are also an audience that struggles with sharing...although that is a lesson for us all. So with its simple text, this book is about the moon, but also much more.
October 9, 2017
You know Kim Krans from her marvelous books ABC Dream and 123Dream. Now Kim is taking us on a beautiful journey starting with a cat’s question: “Whose moon is that?/asked a curious cat.” Page by beautiful page, several others answer poetically that the moon belongs to them, like a tree and a bird. But there is an answer by the moon itself at the end, and then, a surprise ending. With black and white pen and ink sketches surrounded by the colorful beauty of a night sky, Kim Krans has created another gorgeous story. One fun thing in the opening page shows a “This book belongs to ____________” label with ‘book’ crossed out and replaced by ‘moon’!
August 8, 2017
Krans who has gorgeous alphabet and counting books (ABC Dream and 123 Dream) has a new book about a cat who curiously questions who owns the moon and receives a variety of responses from others in nature. The moon does offer the final word which suggests sharing may be better than owning exclusively. Well structured with great word choices to serve as a good model for young writers. Great book for interactive reading since dialog invites the readers to chime in. Great addition to the home or school collection.
December 19, 2017
Krans, Kim Whose Moon is That? PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99.
A cat questions who the moon belongs to and gets different answers from trees, mountains, and other animals until she is finally answered by the moon, who shines for everyone.
This book is filled with absolutely stunning watercolor paintings and is a work of art by itself. The story is simple rhyming that works very well with the ornate illustrations and would be very lyrical read aloud.
PRE-K - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: JQ
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
A cat questions who the moon belongs to and gets different answers from trees, mountains, and other animals until she is finally answered by the moon, who shines for everyone.
This book is filled with absolutely stunning watercolor paintings and is a work of art by itself. The story is simple rhyming that works very well with the ornate illustrations and would be very lyrical read aloud.
PRE-K - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: JQ
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
September 17, 2017
This lovely book has so many curricular tie-ins! The cat who asks the title question is answered by others creatures, the mountains and the sea--all who have reason to believe they own the moon. Good for language arts--illustrating POV, rhyming couplets; art--watercolor and ink medium; science--equinox, phases of the moon (are the endpapers correctly drawn?) Also kick off a discussion about convincing arguments, and why the cat did not learn her lesson!
December 11, 2017
From start to finish, this book is simply gorgeous. From Kran’s luscious watercolor and ink illustrations, silver foil, to moon phase end papers, this third foray into children’s literature is a feast for the eyes. The brief rhyming text is sure to leave readers asking the big questions of the world and our place in it. Don’t miss the insert on the dust jacket too- it’s a sweet introduction to the concept of the book. Highly recommended for purchase.
September 11, 2017
Gorgeous illustrations blend color with black and white.
Rhyming text feels natural and flows.
Younger readers will like the pictures and sounds of the text being read aloud. Older readers can dig deeper to ponder or debate which animal (if any!) should 'own' something like the moon or not. They may also want to continue the story with animals discussing who owns the sun!
Rhyming text feels natural and flows.
Younger readers will like the pictures and sounds of the text being read aloud. Older readers can dig deeper to ponder or debate which animal (if any!) should 'own' something like the moon or not. They may also want to continue the story with animals discussing who owns the sun!
April 25, 2018
In this book a cat goes on an adventure to figure out who the moon belongs to find out that the moon is there for everyone. This book is engaging for kids since they can try to guess who the moon belongs to when the cat asks others whose it is.
Lexile Measures- 400L
Guided Reading- D
Six Traits plus One-Presentation and Sentence Structure
Lexile Measures- 400L
Guided Reading- D
Six Traits plus One-Presentation and Sentence Structure
May 17, 2018
A wonderful nighttime story, that isn't specifically about going to bed. The characters all ask "Whose Moon is that". Can it belong to a cat, or a tree or a mountain? Or can something so glorious belong to everyone. The story is simple, the words per page are few, the illustrations are beautiful. This I would read again and again.
June 16, 2018
Age: Infant+
Each animal claims the moon as its own. But when the Moon steps in to solve the puzzle, it declares it is a light for all with no one single thing in ownership. Large and gorgeous illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for storytimes. The illustrations and animal sounds will be perfect for the younger crowd but the question is great for the older listeners.
Each animal claims the moon as its own. But when the Moon steps in to solve the puzzle, it declares it is a light for all with no one single thing in ownership. Large and gorgeous illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for storytimes. The illustrations and animal sounds will be perfect for the younger crowd but the question is great for the older listeners.
August 26, 2017
I was really excited when I came across this at work today; I love Kim's art, so I immediately checked it out. A lovely book that I would love to own so I could flip through it on bad days and lose myself in the texture of the paintings.
September 3, 2017
Absolutely stunning ink and watercolor art in this story of a cat who ponders the question of who owns the moon. I would love to own one of the prints of this book to hang in my house. I'm off to Kim Krans' website to see what's available...
July 14, 2018
Watercolor used for the sky is really, really pretty.. especially juxtaposed with the black and white of the moon and the rest of the cast of characters. I don't know what the kids will think of it, but I'm starting to want to own a collection of children's books just for myself. :o)
September 16, 2018
The author uses rhyming lines to create a funny story of a cat who wonders who is the owner of the moon he sees in the night sky. At the end of the story, the cat finds himself with yet another question. If you like rhyming books and books that end with a question, you will like this book.
August 13, 2019
The use of black & white is strong in this one! It's fantastic! The animals are so detailed but beautifully drawn. An the splash of color here & there stands out a lot on the blackness of the page. Really enjoyed reading this, will have to check out the other books by this author. :)
(Date & Time Read: 10th August 2019; 9:57am to 10:00am)
(Date & Time Read: 10th August 2019; 9:57am to 10:00am)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews