The Moonlight Hide and Seek Club in the Pollution Solution

Susan Brown is a B.C. horticulturist, permaculture designer, and early
childhood education instructor.

“Moon is falling!” Natalie, Ojistah, Mei, Kamil, and the storyteller
are playing hide-and-seek. They join alarmed neighbors to catch Moon as
she touches earth. Moon is dirty and sick because of what we’re doing
to earth, someone concludes. All set out to restore Moon’s lustre by
means of elbow grease and nontoxic cleaners. As Moon ascends, the
successful restorers shout out the changes needed to clean up earth’s
air.

This is a short contemporary fable for reading aloud and discussing
with 4- to 9-year-olds. Although the story is a bit weak and somewhat
preachy, the book is appealing in its emphasis on neighborhood
cooperation and activism with respect to the pollution crisis.
Multicultural, gender-neutral names and children who have multiple moms
and dads will be welcomed by adults seeking children’s books that
reflect everyday life for children in the ’90s.

Cheryl Henhawke chose the perfect technique for illustrating this
nighttime story. Multicolored layers of crayon overlaid with black
produce dark but colorful, and very effective, scenes. Recommended with
reservations.