FICTION

Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon

tr. from Spanish by Luis Amavisca & Martin Hyams. illus. by Esther G. Madrid. 44p. NubeOcho. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9788494444678.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—A young boy named Nicholas believes he has shot the moon after he has aimed and fired at it with an imaginary gun crafted with his fingertips. Nicholas and his family are horrified when the moon suddenly falls from the sky. His mom and his brother, Charlie, run out of the house and find the huge, round, and beautiful moon in their garden. Nicholas discovers that the orb was startled but not injured. Will the moon be able to return to the sky? The moon's playful, globelike shape appears to illuminate each page. Character mood is well communicated in the myriad of facial expressions portrayed. Whimsical illustrations have been drawn using a variety of blue and purple tones for a calming and captivating visual effect. The use of several perspectives brings attention to different characters in each scene. Multiple images of single characters on a page are successfully employed to illustrate their movements throughout the story. The fanciful narrative weaves a pleasing balance of predictable and surprising plot developments.
VERDICT This cautionary tale presents the possible repercussions of violence and other forms of mischievous behavior yet also demonstrates how teamwork can help unify and achieve common goals. A good read-aloud and discussion starter for young children.

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