At first glance this might appear to be a book about the moon but in fact it is a beautifully illustrated book about the endangered Asiatic black bear of Southeast Asia. Named for the white moon-shape that appears on their chests, there are more moon bears in captivity than in the wild. Focusing on moon bears in the wild, the text runs in two parts: the upper line asks a question (“Who shuffles out in spring so hungry again?”) while the lower line provides the answer (“Mama moon bear!”). The simple lyrical text can be read by beginning readers but it is the collage art illustrations by Caldecott medalist Ed Young that will attract many children. An author’s note explains that the bears are often kept in tiny cages on farms and suggests ways that children (and adults) can help efforts to restore the species to health and return them to wild. A website (http://www.brendazguiberson.com/learning/BZGPromo09-Moon.pdf) provides some activities and discussion questions for older children.
