Regards to the Man in the Moon
Common Sense Note
High-flying adventure, coupled with bold illustrations, keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Vibrant collages reflect the limitless possibilities of a child's imagination.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ann Marie Sammataro
REGARDS TO THE MAN IN THE MOON returns to one of Keats's favorite themes; saluting a child's ingenuity. His previous works, such as Hi, Cat! and Goggles, also highlight children's ability to suspend reality and submerge themselves into their imaginations. In this book, Keats expands on this concept, encouraging readers to utilize their own imaginations.
The artwork consists of full-color, full-page illustrations that are part paintings and part cut paper. The collages of outer space are fascinating, with whorls of sparkling colors breaking up the inky blackness.
Loyal Keats fans will enjoy the visual puns included in the illustrations. One picture shows a silhouette that looks remarkably like his popular character, Peter. In the final spread there is a picture of Peter's faithful dog, Willie, and the little black cat from Hi, Cat.
Children unfamiliar with Keats's previous book, Louie's Search, won't understand the references to Louie's "new" father or the man's occupation, which is never explained in this book. Also, why Figgie and Ruthie have become attached to Louie and Susie's craft is unclear. Yet these small inconsistencies do not detract from a child's enjoyment of the text.
Dana Meachen Rau's A Box Can Be Many Things features the myriad uses two children think up for a large cardboard carton destined for the garbage truck. Dr. Seuss's classic And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street is the granddaddy of all imagination tales.
From The Book
All a person needs is some imagination! And a little of that stuff can take you right out of this world.
Plot Summary:
A curious contraption made out of junk becomes a transport to adventure when a young boy and his friend use their imaginations to fuel a voyage into outer space. Ezra Jack Keats's tale is a revitalizing dose of imagination and an inspiration for young children.
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Social BehaviorKids tease Louie about his stepfather and ridicule him when he begins building his spaceship. However, a few of the children join him on his trip, and the others do come around after hearing tales of his adventures. |
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