I Want to Go to the Moon. Tom Saunders. Illustrated by Cynthia Nugent. Vancouver, BC: Simply Read Books (Distributed by Raincoast Books), 2011. 32 pp. (Includes CD), hardcover, $18.95. ISBN 978-1-897476-56-7. Subject Headings: Armstrong, Neil, 1930- - Juvenile poetry. Space flight to the moon-Juvenile poetry. Project Apollo (U.S.)-Juvenile poetry. Children’s poetry, Canadian (English). Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8. Review by Inderjit Deogun. **½ /4

excerpt:

Neil was born one August morn,
not a day too soon,
and every night he pointed
out his window at the moon.

When he took his first small steps
And said his first few words,
He marched up to his parents’ room,
And this is what they heard:

I want to go to the moon, Mom.
I want to go to the moon, Dad.
What can I do to make it come true?
I want to go to the moon.

The moon fascinates young Neil. In fact, he’s so taken by it that he wants to walk on its very surface. Although everyone around him says it’s impossible, Neil’s determination remains unwavering. Thus, begins Neil’s lifelong journey to achieve his one and only dream.

     Cynthia Nugent’s watercolour illustrations are delightfully soft. The air of whimsy that she is able to depict echoes the innocence of a young child’s dream. Nugent’s artistic expertise becomes evident as she mirrors Neil’s progress with illustrations that are both deeper and richer in colour. The sense of wonder she infuses throughout culminates in an epic double-page spread.

     Tom Saunders’ I Want to Go to the Moon chronicles Neil Armstrong’s historic journey to the moon. Saunders’ use of rhyming couplets brilliantly lightens the disappointment Neil is inevitably forced to endure. Though the story could benefit from being shortened, its message to young readers is truly inspiring. I Want to Go to the Moon is for any child who dares to dream big.

Recommended.

Inderjit Deogun, who resides in Mississauga, ON, is currently pursuing a career in publishing with a particular interest in children’s literature.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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