Monday, February 4, 2008

Many Moons

Many Moons
James Thurber with illustrations by Louis Slobodkin/ published 1943 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich


A very famous Caldecott Medal Winner, I had the first read to my son on Friday and was delighted to find not one but two notions used in the Harry Potter books.

One that is an old alchemist's legend:

Dear Lord Wizard: I am returning herewith the so-called PHILOSOPHER'S STONE which you claimed....

And the other... not sure where it comes from, but maybe I don't read enough fantasy:

I have given you seven league boots, the golden touch, and a CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY.

Regardless of the Potter connection, this is a GREAT book. I have vague memories of this story as a kid... just enough to make it all the more special for me to hear. My husband was the reader on this one, and because of its length, our two-year-old got a little distracted toward the end. I made him finish it out anyway because I wanted to hear the conclusion. Thurber was such a great storyteller, and Many Moons is filled to the brim with all the things that make reading aloud to your kid such a joy.

Also by:
Too Many Mittens
Millions and Millions and Millions!
Dinny and Danny

2 comments:

  1. I found your blog through Brookeshelf & *love* it! Thanks for all the great reviews. Many Moons is one of my all-time favorite books, and the Louis Slobodkin version is the *best*. James Thurber was one witty guy. :)

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  2. Thanks for the post. I had never seen Brookeshelf... she rocks! Thanks for the tip and thanks for reading.

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