Later, tucked up in bed, a soft yellow light fills his room, and Max rejoices at the moon's return. Max searches for the moon but sees only darkness he misses both the moon and his grandfather. As young Max says goodbye to his grandfather, he points out the full moon, and Granpa promises him that 'That ol' moon will always shine for you…on and on!' All during the long car ride home, Max looks out the back window, keeping his eyes on the moon - 'up a hill, down a hill,' 'through a small town with roundabout streets,' 'at the mouth of a tunnel and out the other end.' Max is reassured by the moon's continued presence, happy that Granpa's promise holds. In this quiet nighttime picture book, Cooper tells a simple yet emotionally resonant story.

Perfect for one-on-one readings.- Marian McLeod, Darien Library, CT His face is expressive, clearly conveying his varied emotions, from wonder to happiness and wistfulness. Signs with arrows point the way home, reassuring readers that despite the lengthy trip, Max is heading in the right direction. The full moon is a friendly presence on each spread, and the varied vantage points incorporate soothing imagery, such as a bird silhouetted against the sky. It reappears as he is going to sleep, and he throw his hands in the air with joy at the shining orb that 'will always shine for me… on and on!' A lovely comforting story for children who don't like good-byes, the quiet text flows along, and the soft, diffuse paintings make the book a wonderful bedtime read-aloud. Then, when dark clouds hide it, Max feels its absence.

Over hills and bridges, past sleeping cows, and through a quiet town, it is always in view. PreS-K-A big, round moon shines down on a boy and his grandfather as they share a good-bye hug, and Granpa tells Max, 'That ol' moon will always shine for you…on and on.' The child keeps an eye on the moon on the long drive home, spying it in the side mirror of his family's car and through branches above him.

Tag along moon