Sometimes I find a theme in books that are not really meant to connect them. In the case of Luna and the Moon Rabbit by Camille Whitcher, King Mouse by Cary Fagan and The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, it is their illustrations. Each is different in their immediate style of art,and also story, but they have an otherworldly element to them that makes them “foggy” and “dream-like” to the viewers eye.
Camille Whitcher has created a story that is a dream. Luna’s imagination transforms her into another world where she plays and enjoys the world around her with the Mood Rabbit of her grandmothers’ story. Inspired by Asian folklore for the subject (and according to the publisher content) films of Studio Ghibli, this is a bedtime story for the young child and the young at heart. These illustrations are sweet, with dark and light contrasts and just the right amount of detail. Adult and kids will enjoy going about Luna’s world as she explores wonderous things.
King Mouse by Fagan has a different dreamy element to it. The colors are soft and while, dark not solid dark. The color is there when needed to show a point in the story. Which is more solid than Luna’s story: this time a mouse finds a crown in the forest and the other animals ask if his is a king? Mouse says yes, and this starts off a chain reaction where the animals learn what is truly important to focus on.
The Shortest Day is slightly different in the illustration style, but I feel it fits. The story is a poem written by Cooper in 1974. Carson Ellis illustrations are more “solid” than dreamlike, but the elements are not modern. They show the history of the winter solstice and many images will remind the reader about current rituals. The art is mystical and bold, without being over powering.
All these stories are perfectly made for a winter read. Cuddling under a blanket while sitting in a comfy chair with your favorite kiddo will be the perfect way to experience these.