What We're Reading: Tracy

Faces of the Moon, by Bob Crelin, illustrated by Leslie Evans.

Good children's non-fiction books successfully blend factual and lyrical writing, and the best pair this text with perfectly suited illustrations and an inspired design. This difficult accomplishment is rarer than one might suppose, and so we take note when an exceptionally good example arrives.

One such recent title is Faces of the Moon, a wonderful introduction to the moon's phases. The text is actually a poem, which describes the changing phases, or "faces", of the moon. The tone is appropriately dreamy and gentle, but the content includes succinct scientific explanations and proper terminology. Beautiful illustrations reminiscent of old woodblock prints accompany the story, and die-cut moon shapes and index tabs provide quick visual references. A short appendix offers more in-depth science, a simple diagram, and "Moon Memo-Rhymes: a Fun Way to Remember Moon Facts."

The closing is particularly lovely:

"As long as we have watched the skies,
this nearby world has drawn our eyes
in singer's song and poet's rhyme,
across our globe and throughout time.

The moon reminds us of our place:
a spinning world in endless space.
Each month her ever-changing face
is right outside your door.

So every time you spot the Moon,
at dusk, or dawn, or midday noon,
you'll know her by her friendly phase
and watch her change through all your days."

Highly recommended for moongazers of all ages.