A Full Moon is Rising

A Full Moon is Rising

Singer, M. (2011). A Full Moon is Rising: Poems. Ill. by Julia Cairns. Lee & Low Books.

ISBN 1620141965

“A children's book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places.


In the night sky, nothing is more magical than the full moon that rises every month. When it shines, all kinds of fascinating things occur. Tides rise to enormous heights. Children dare each other to climb a staircase to the moon. Families eat cakes with a moon inside. Campers watch out for werewolves. And sometimes, the whole moon disappears in the earth's shadow.


Come along on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places to see what can happen ... when a full moon is rising!”
–Amazon Book Reviews

This book of poetry has worldwide, and even outer-space representation. The poems compare unique perspectives of the full moon from around the globe. They highlight many beliefs, customs, and facts surrounding our relationship with the moon. The illustrations beautifully exemplify many differing cultures. They are colorful and warm despite their night-time settings. The final pages of the book give insight to each poem and the customs that inspired Singer’s writing. The collection is a joy to read and left me wondering what things I take for granted that show up in my world every day.

Book Review Excerpts:

"Singer's sparkling verses celebrate the majesty of the moon as experienced in settings around the world, each distinctly conveyed in Cairns's perceptive watercolors... The breadth of perspectives creates a stirring portrait of a familiar but no less marvelous sight."
-- Publishers Weekly

"Singer's poetry presents a world of science facts, cultural events, and some of the unusual customs that surround the cyclical occurrence. Her poems create marvelous pictures. . .. Cairns's vibrant watercolors and warm folk-art style successfully capture the excitement of the around-the-world occurrences...The combination of descriptive poetry and eye-catching illustrations will invite children to wonder and imagine while the multicultural themes and science facts will excite and satisfy."
-- School Library Journal

Connections:

- This is a great introduction to world cultures.


- Students could think about what traditions or memories they have about the moon, and write their own poetic tributes.


This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.