Many Moons
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's nothing of concern in this classic, which has been enjoyed by adults and children for more than half a century.
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ONCE UPON A GOLDEN MOON
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What's the story?
All the king's specialists can't get the moon for his daughter, but the jester does. How? By asking the princess the right questions and acting on her answers. There's another worrisome problem, and again it's the jester who sees the solution--after the princess points it out. Kids will appreciate that a child helps solve the problem in this charming and well-illustrated tale.
Is it any good?
This re-illustrated classic comes stylishly dressed in Marc Simont's watercolors, which sweep across the pages. The jester leaps into the king's presence, the king eloquently frowns at the royal mathematician's swarm of equations, and the princess assesses the moon as she stands in a shadow.
James Thurber's text is graceful and witty. Ten-year-old Lenore's illness isn't all that serious, but her father's reaction to it is touching: She wants the moon, he'll get her the moon. The silly wise men's lists of their absurd accomplishments are mixed with their wives' shopping lists, adding extra humor. Kids will appreciate that the young princess and the childlike jester solve the story's problems.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about wisdom. Why do the wise men all have different ideas about the moon?
Book details
- Author: James Thurber
- Illustrator: Marc Simont
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harcourt Brace
- Publication date: April 1, 1981
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 48
- Award: Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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