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When the Moon Is Full
A lunar guide describes the folkloric names of twelve moons according to Native American tradition and showcases their defining characteristics in short verse and beautifully detailed hand-colored woodcuts.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Mary Azarian
52 books17 followersMary Azarian has illustrated many books for children, including SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY, which won the Caldecott Medal. Her fine-art woodcuts and stationery are instantly recognizable and beloved by collectors everywhere. Mary Azarian lives in Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 3, 2016
Did you know that each month's full moon has a name?
The Native Americans kept time by the Moon. They knew that every month had a full moon, so "many moons" meant many months. They chose names that reflected something special about each of these time periods.
Most of us have heard of September's Harvest Moon, but did you know that January's full moon is called the Wolf Moon, because Native Americans believed that wolves become restless in January? March is the Sap Moon, because its warm days and cold nights cause the syrup to run in the maples.
This is a lovely book. Mary Azarian's illustrations are gorgeous, and most unusual in that they are painted woodcut prints.
The book closes with two pages of fascinating moon facts.
Highly recommended for children and adults alike.
The Native Americans kept time by the Moon. They knew that every month had a full moon, so "many moons" meant many months. They chose names that reflected something special about each of these time periods.
Most of us have heard of September's Harvest Moon, but did you know that January's full moon is called the Wolf Moon, because Native Americans believed that wolves become restless in January? March is the Sap Moon, because its warm days and cold nights cause the syrup to run in the maples.
This is a lovely book. Mary Azarian's illustrations are gorgeous, and most unusual in that they are painted woodcut prints.
The book closes with two pages of fascinating moon facts.
Highly recommended for children and adults alike.
December 13, 2017
This book contains twelve poems, one for each month of the year, to describe the lunar year. It is beautifully illustrated with seasonal pictures and full moons.
When the Moon Is Full is in the poetry genre, as it contains narrative poetry and wonderful imagery throughout.
I would use this book as a mentor text for word choice, as each line of each poem uses wonderful imagery to tell the story and create a picture of the full moon each month. I would also use this book in writing instruction as an example of writing a narrative poem. I may ask my students to choose a topic they want to tell about and write their own poem, describing their chosen subject using descriptive words. Additionally, I would integrate this book into a science unit on seasons, because it portrays an image of each month of the year and the weather that is common each month.
The book level is 4.4, and the guided reading level is M.
When the Moon Is Full is in the poetry genre, as it contains narrative poetry and wonderful imagery throughout.
I would use this book as a mentor text for word choice, as each line of each poem uses wonderful imagery to tell the story and create a picture of the full moon each month. I would also use this book in writing instruction as an example of writing a narrative poem. I may ask my students to choose a topic they want to tell about and write their own poem, describing their chosen subject using descriptive words. Additionally, I would integrate this book into a science unit on seasons, because it portrays an image of each month of the year and the weather that is common each month.
The book level is 4.4, and the guided reading level is M.
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September 3, 2008Lovely book. Native American names for each month's full moon explained in poetry for children. Would make a special, magical gift.
March 10, 2018
Beautifully illustrated with hand-colored woodcuts by Mary Azarian, a famous Vermont artist, this book goes over the 12 full moons. There is a poem for each month. It follows the monthly path of the moon with traditional Native American names such as the Harvest Moon for September. There is also a question and answer section in the back of the book. This book could be used with primary grade children when studying the phases of the moon.
March 16, 2022
The poetry is the perfect level, length, and tangible enough that i would happily share it with kids. The bonus information at the end is what really makes it into a science with clear concise questions and answers. Illustrations are also very engaging except for that one poor raccoon on the right lol :(
March 20, 2021
This book was not only informative as it explained why each full moon of the months have a different name, but it also was entertaining! It had a simple little rhyme to each page that made it fun to read.
March 21, 2017
Gorgeous art, interesting history and science
January 14, 2019
We loved this magical book of poems for each full moon of the month with dreamy illustrations. Information about Native American beliefs and culture.
August 20, 2019
Great book filled with poems on each of the moons. Great intro to lunar lore/magic for Pagan kids!
October 27, 2021
A lunar year with each full moon’s given name, meaning and Native American lore. Perfectly illustrated and quietly related.
February 26, 2015
Personal Reaction:
I thought poems were simple, but adequately represent each month well. Each poem was a little different; some were free verse and others were lyrical. The illustrations were detailed and captivating to look at.
Purpose:
This poetry book would be great for 2nd through 4th grade. The poems used acceptable vocabulary, but most of the poems did not have figure language. I could use this book to read aloud the poem for particular month. For instance, I would start in August when school would start, and the first day of the month the rest of the year read the poem out of the book at the beginning of class. This book would be a great tool, because it would integrate poetry into the classroom at least once a month, so that the students are exposed to this literature more than just the poetry unit.
I thought poems were simple, but adequately represent each month well. Each poem was a little different; some were free verse and others were lyrical. The illustrations were detailed and captivating to look at.
Purpose:
This poetry book would be great for 2nd through 4th grade. The poems used acceptable vocabulary, but most of the poems did not have figure language. I could use this book to read aloud the poem for particular month. For instance, I would start in August when school would start, and the first day of the month the rest of the year read the poem out of the book at the beginning of class. This book would be a great tool, because it would integrate poetry into the classroom at least once a month, so that the students are exposed to this literature more than just the poetry unit.
October 26, 2016
1.Preschool to third grade
2. When the Moon is Full is a collection of poems for each month of the year. The poems are accompanied by large colorful illustrations that take up each page. In addition, each poem ends with a bit of information about the months. All the poems expressed where the moon is during each month.
3. This book is appealing to me for many reasons. It not only teaches children about the different months, however, it continues with the theme of the moon explaining where it sits and how the world functions. The colorful images capture the children attention, allowing them to truly grasp the concepts taught in this book.
4. The book can be used to help teach children the months, moon position and the changing of seasons.
2. When the Moon is Full is a collection of poems for each month of the year. The poems are accompanied by large colorful illustrations that take up each page. In addition, each poem ends with a bit of information about the months. All the poems expressed where the moon is during each month.
3. This book is appealing to me for many reasons. It not only teaches children about the different months, however, it continues with the theme of the moon explaining where it sits and how the world functions. The colorful images capture the children attention, allowing them to truly grasp the concepts taught in this book.
4. The book can be used to help teach children the months, moon position and the changing of seasons.
December 7, 2010
J Picture Pollack
When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollack
Traditional Native American names for each month's moon are explained through poetry and beautifully illustrated pages with woodcuts by Mary Azarian. This book would be good for any preschool or elementary classes studying the moon, or the environment. Many of the animals depicted in the book are locally relevant. Facts are presented with each poem, as well as facts about the moon at the end of the book. (Suzy)
This would be a great gift for any Vermonter, animal lover, teacher, or child. This would be a great gift for any preschool or elementary school classroom, as well as children of that age.
When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollack
Traditional Native American names for each month's moon are explained through poetry and beautifully illustrated pages with woodcuts by Mary Azarian. This book would be good for any preschool or elementary classes studying the moon, or the environment. Many of the animals depicted in the book are locally relevant. Facts are presented with each poem, as well as facts about the moon at the end of the book. (Suzy)
This would be a great gift for any Vermonter, animal lover, teacher, or child. This would be a great gift for any preschool or elementary school classroom, as well as children of that age.
January 16, 2010
J Picture Pollack
When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollack
Traditional Native American names for each month's moon are explained through poetry and beautifully illustrated pages with woodcuts by Mary Azarian. This book would be good for any preschool or elementary classes studying the moon, or the environment. Many of the animals depicted in the book are locally relevant. Facts are presented with each poem, as well as facts about the moon at the end of the book.
When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollack
Traditional Native American names for each month's moon are explained through poetry and beautifully illustrated pages with woodcuts by Mary Azarian. This book would be good for any preschool or elementary classes studying the moon, or the environment. Many of the animals depicted in the book are locally relevant. Facts are presented with each poem, as well as facts about the moon at the end of the book.
January 9, 2017
Pollock uses the 12 month cycle to talk about Native American names for the year's full moons, with a short poem and beautiful painted prints by Mary Azarian for each.
As in "Thirteen Moons of Turtle's Back", this book emphasizes the circle of time, and the close relationship between human lives and those of the natural world. Another timely reminder of the need to pay attention to, and be good caretakers of, our home, Earth.
As in "Thirteen Moons of Turtle's Back", this book emphasizes the circle of time, and the close relationship between human lives and those of the natural world. Another timely reminder of the need to pay attention to, and be good caretakers of, our home, Earth.
January 29, 2010
This is a great story about the Native American names for the moon. It's full of rich poetry explaining how the moon received it's name each month. It's been a great addition for preschool and teaching the kids about the moon. I love the love the great questions and answered at the end of the story. The illustrations are great.
December 1, 2010
This is a great story about the Native American names for the moon. It's full of rich poetry explaining how the moon received it's name each month. It's been a great addition for preschool and teaching the kids about the moon. I love the love the great questions and answered at the end of the story. The illustrations are great.
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May 4, 2011This collection of poems follows the lunar year. Based on the folkloric names given to the twelve moons by Native Americans, this collection uses short verse to explore the mysterious moon.
Find it at Carlisle School 811 POL
Find it at Carlisle School 811 POL
September 2, 2016
While a serious read, I thought it was a beautiful read celebrating the "seasons" of the mood and offering education as to how the moon's "path" is followed. An abundance of further information is given at the end for further study.
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January 22, 2011The woodcarving & watercolor illustrations are wonderful, the concept is neat, but the poems are totally forgettable.
January 23, 2011
Excellent run down of the lunar year, with traditional names for each month, a description of each, and lovely woodcut pictures.
March 19, 2016
04/09: This book explains the Traditional Native Names of the 12 full moons of the year.
September 14, 2016
Wood cut art prints matched with poems for each full moon of the year.
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January 20, 2019A great book to teach children about seasonal events or traditions and has some interesting information about Native Americans and early European settlers.
April 15, 2014
You can't go wrong with Azarian woodcuts.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews