Echoes of Good Night, Moon are unavoidable in this nighttime tale, with its young protagonist’s “Bye-bye, bedroom. Adios, rocking horse. Take care, teddy bear. See you soon, moon.” But quickly the story takes on a meaning of its own, as the boy and his parents go for a night ride to Grandma’s house. As their car tootles over hill and dale, the child notices that the moon is keeping apace: “Hey—the moon is coming with us!” It keeps the boy company through the orchard, over the bridge, and around the pond, providing a connector from one happy locale to the other. Carter has once again used foam board, plaster, and acrylic paint to striking 3-D effect. His images have all the sweetness and inviting presence of cake frosting, adding texture to familiar objects. Conrad’s simple, easy text has a soothing quality that makes this a good lullaby book, but has just enough sense of excitement—this is, after all, an evening ride to the city—to keep the attention of young children, until they nod off. Readers will hanker for a return trip. (Picture book. 1-4)
