Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories of the Moon

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes children’s picture books and novels for
preteens. Her most recent novels are Jo’s Triumph, Raven’s Revenge,
and Tarragon Island. Her latest picture book is Grandparents’ Day.

“Easily observed, yet ever mysterious, the Moon is as entrancing today
as when the myths were first told.”

Dot to Dot in the Sky conducts parallel explorations of our nearest
celestial neighbour, the moon, through both myths and legends and
science and technology. Even the table of contents is neatly divided
down the middle of the page. Each of 10 stories Galat includes is
clearly identified by culture of origin and is accompanied by a
full-colour illustration. Sidebars interspersed throughout the fictional
text explain topics like the moon’s origin, geographic and geologic
features, moon exploration, lunar eclipses, gravity, and tides.

Canadian readers will be pleased to see the inclusion of the Mi’kmaq
legend “Rabbit and the Moon Man.” Other cultures represented are
Polynesian, Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian, West African, Korean,
and Greek. The glossary includes terms reflecting both aspects of the
book (e.g., there are entries for libration as well as nymph).

The factual writing is clear and well organized, and the stories are
retold in an engaging and accessible style. Unfortunately, no notes
(beyond the country of origin) are provided on the sources of the
stories. Recommended.