Moon Man

by Tomi Ungerer Narrated by Peter Hawkins

Overview

The man in the moon, bored with life from his drifting sphere, longs to join in the fun he sees people having on earth.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In Ungerer's (Crictor; Moon Man) first children's book in 25 years, a delightfully witty and lighthearted look at race relations, a cat couple is startled to discover that their newborn is a dog. (This "genetic mishap" is traced to a great-grandmother's secret marriage to a pug.) The doting parents bring up squat, jowly, wrinkly-faced Flix to climb trees and eat fried mice and pickled canaries. Under the tutelage of his basset hound godfather, the pup also learns pride in his canine heritage and masters the dog language. Flix's combined talents win him the respect of both communities, the love of a French exchange-student poodle and eventually a career in politics, in which he campaigns to end cat-dog segregation. Ungerer celebrates the versatility and perspective Flix gains from his mixed ancestry while still acknowledging the hardship of not fitting in. His lively illustrations, which feature highly expressive and individualized faces, are more supple and playful than in earlier books. The accomplished artwork brims with funny touches such as a rat-crossing sign in Cattown (speed up!) and a monument to Laika (the first dog to orbit in space) in Dogtown; more pointed details include the no-dogs-allowed sign in a posh Cattown restaurant. Ungerer's return to the field will be welcomed by all who discover this charming addition to his oeuvre, but will be especially appreciated by children growing up in more than one cultural tradition. Ages 6-10. (May) FYI: Tomi Ungerer's The Three Robbers, Moon Man and No Kiss for Mother are being reissued in paperback, as well as Heidi (by Johanna Spyri) in a hardcover edition. (Roberts Rinehart/TomCo, $6.95 40p ages 4-8 ISBN 1-57098-206-6; $6.95 40p ages 4-8 ISBN -207-4; $5.95 40p ages 6-10 ISBN -208-2; $19.95 312p all ages ISBN -162-0; May)

From the Publisher

"Maurice Sendak, a friend of Ungerer's, thought him the most original children's book writer of his time." —Sunday Telegraph

"So strong and graphically interesting... It's art – illustration at the highest level." —The Times

"[A] style marked by great originality of illustrative technique, and a use of language that refused to patronise his young readers." —Dazed & Confused

"Watch the children, the subversive is back." —New York Times

"His ability to capture the absurd […] and inject [...] subtle humour make this book a timeless classic." —Outside In

"The new editions look fresh and inviting, with creamy backdrop pages, crisp colors, and almost tangible textures." —School Library Journal

"Ungerer's artwork is distinguished by bright colors and his own distinctive style, and his stories are a beguiling mix of humour, wisdom and worthwhile messages." —Buffalo News

"A strange and hilarious fairy-tale adventure that will make nighttime kids guffaw out loud." —UrbanFamily

"[A] sweet, subversive, and lyrical tale." —Brain Pickings

"Beautiful and thoughtful... Can help children from all backgrounds understand what it means to seek refuge... The poor reception and mistreatment of the gentle protagonist in Tomi Ungerer’s Moon Man (2009) when he arrives on earth serves as a cautionary tale. We learn among other things that society is only as humane and civilised as the degree to which it extends such principles to its most vulnerable members."—EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171366797
Publisher:	Weston Woods
Publication date:	01/01/1981
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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