"In their secret workshop, the rabbits
are very busy.
What are they making?
Eagerly waiting for the moon to rise."
Do young children like to imagine what nocturnal animals are doing at night? I think they might. After all, much of what happens during the time they are in bed is unknown to them. It is lovely to think about what might be happening outside while they are dreaming the night away. Or, are they fearful about all of it?
Camilla Pintonato is here to ease their fears, and tell them a charming story of five rabbits that wait for the sun to set before their nighttime adventure can begin. As soon as they are sure it is dark, they begin a trek that has a mysterious bent. They all carry orange backpacks. Inside each is a bunch of blue fluff. Soon, their underground workshop shows them busily working at 'something'.
Their wait now is for moonrise. They continue their work, we are told, in preparation for a celebration. Cut cards are blue with white circles and the words full moon printed on them. They fill up yellow bags and head back through their tunnel to the forest floor where they invite birds, mice, a fox, and a multitude of other animals to join them in a run to await a big surprise. Birdsong accompanies the release of the constructed lanterns into the night sky.
"Before their eyes, the full moon shines bright.
The paper lanterns sparkle like stars."
The text is minimal, the illustrations are quiet and lovely, and the effect for young readers is magical. Perhaps some will join the rabbits when the next full moon rises into the night sky.
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