A review by panda_incognito
The Bear and the Moon by Matthew Burgess
4.0
This picture book has gorgeous, unique illustrations with saturated colors and soft edges. The art seems dreamlike, and the simple text conveys the story in an evocative way. I really enjoyed this, and appreciate the gentle messages about unexpected gifts, loss, self-blame, and the importance of seeing goodness in yourself and cherishing your memories.
However, even though this book is a beautiful metaphor, parents and teachers should consider clarifying for children that balloons are not fun toys for animals, both to help protect pets and to make it clear that balloon releases are a pollution issue. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin the story's effect by taking this on at the end, and I can see why the author didn't, but that is still something to keep in mind.
However, even though this book is a beautiful metaphor, parents and teachers should consider clarifying for children that balloons are not fun toys for animals, both to help protect pets and to make it clear that balloon releases are a pollution issue. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin the story's effect by taking this on at the end, and I can see why the author didn't, but that is still something to keep in mind.