Welsh, Clare Helen. Moon Bear. Illustrated by Carolina T. Godina. Quarto Publishing, 2024. 978-0-711-29101-0. $18.99. 22 p. Grades K-2.

In this nearly wordless picture book, Ettie’s mother tells her it’s time to get ready for bed. Ettie takes a bath, picks out pajamas, reads a bedtime story with her mom, and then hides under the covers with a flashlight in hand seemingly afraid of the dark. Suddenly, a magical flurry of lights peeks through her window. Ettie discovers she is able to manipulate the mystical moon light and in the night sky she draws a bear. Magically, the bear appears in her room and together they play until they fall asleep side by side. In the morning, Ettie is saddened to find the moon bear is gone, but she can’t wait to get ready for bed the next night to once again be reunited with her friend. 

THOUGHTS: Although there are only two sentences in the entire book, the story is told beautifully through its illustrations. Readers will have to observe each picture carefully to follow Ettie’s night time adventure. This story captures a child’s imagination and the magic that youth holds, perfect for ages 4-7. 

Picture Book