THE FARMER AND THE MOON

by Anneliese Lussert ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1987

Imported from Switzerland, a lushly illustrated version of the familiar tale of a rich farmer (Luke) who tries to become even richer at the expense of his humble neighbor (Mark), only to have the neighbor, through a combination of his own good will and a bit of magic, come out ahead. In this case, after Luke tricks Mark out of the money it took him years to save, he puts him off with a tall tale about collecting gold by catching the moon's reflection in a mirror he gives him. To the surprise of both, this works. Mark is deservedly rich; but when Luke tries to duplicate his success, clouds cover the moon and, in a fury, Luke shatters the mirror. Bell's translation of this time-honored tale reads smoothly, but it is the illustrations, with their bold, dramatic use of color, which distinguish this edition. Rich, bright tones glow from the background on every page--an unexpected pink and red sky, a moonlit night in blacks and blues; details are scratched or added in bright white, lemon, luminous green. With such pleasant details as a stork nesting on Mark's roof and other animals tucked away on almost every page, and the stolidly humorous characterization of the protagonists, they are a pleasure to behold.

Pub Date: March 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: North-South--dist. by Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S