Joanne Taylor (1) (1952–2010)

An engaging picture-book examination of the lunar year, and the turning of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, Full Moon Rising follows one farm family from the time of the Wolf Moon (January) through that of the Long-Night Moon (December). In between are, amongst others, the Sap Moon of March, in which the farm family go maple sugaring; the Honey Moon of June, in which (appropriately enough) the family attend a cousin's wedding; and the Hunter Moon of October, in which the rural hunting season begins, and the children of the family must avoid the woods. Accompanying each brief description of that month's activities is a full-color painting from illustrator Susan Tooke.

Although I can't say that I enjoyed Full Moon Rising quite as much as the friend who recommended it to me, I do think it is quite charming. A gentle, reassuring journey through the seasons, I can imagine it providing a pleasant story-time experience for young readers, whether from farm families themselves, or just curious about life in more rural environments. The artwork is likewise appealing, although I think I preferred the illustrations that Susan Tooke contributed to Brave Jack and the Unicorn. In sum: although not destined to be a personal favorite, this is still a sweet little book, one I would recommend to picture-book readers who enjoy stories about the natural world, and the seasonal cycles of the year.… (mer)

A lovely, flowing narrative, presenting and describing not only the different monthly names for the full moon, but also quite informative about farm life in general, [b:Full Moon Rising|627746|Full Moon Rising|Joanne Taylor|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320472479s/627746.jpg|614089] is not a story for those looking for action and/or narrative tension. It is, however, a truly wonderful paean to the rhythms of life on the farm (the rhythms of the full moon), a perfect little gem to share with a child on a sleepy weekend afternoon (or maybe a loving and soothing bedtime story).

Joanne Taylor's gentle narrative is perfectly complemented and mirrored by Susan Tooke's brilliantly expressive, evocative illustrations. An added bonus are the additional names for the monthly full moons at the back of the book (although I do wish that the author had also included from which tradition, which country of origin these names come). Very, very highly recommended, [b:Full Moon Rising|627746|Full Moon Rising|Joanne Taylor|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320472479s/627746.jpg|614089] is one of the most beautiful and evocative picture books I have had the pleasure to read.… (mer)