“FULL MOON AND STAR,” by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Marcellus Hall, Abrams, Aug. 1, 2011, $16.95 (ages 4-8)
Kyle and Katie are inseparable. The best friends do everything together. But that changes when Kyle decides to write a play about a full moon. Katie is surprised he would write it without her, but likes it so much she decides to try her own had at playwriting, this time about a star. They both like each other’s plays equally, but something is missing — working on them together. Kyle and Katie decide the best solution is to combine their works about a star, the moon and friendship.
“Full Moon and Star” is written in three acts, and at first might be a little confusing to younger readers, who may not understand the play within a story convention or the way a script works. However, the book makes a lot more sense read aloud, and children will enjoy seeing the plays unfold as older readers use different voices and help bring the characters to life.
Simple, almost comic-like illustrations really help to make “Full Moon and Star” work. Star and Moon take on personalities that are engaging and relatable.
