And If the Moon Could Talk    by Kate Banks & Georg Hallensleben Order:  USA  Can Sunburst, 2005 (2000) Hardcover, Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Georg Hallensleben's rich paintings set lush, vibrant scenes for Kate Banks' charming picture book, in which a child gradually prepares for bed as 'Twilight blazes a trail across the wall. / And if the moon could talk, / it would tell of evening / stealing through the woods / and a lizard scurrying home to supper.' As always this author/illustrator pair emphasize the human connection to the natural world through lyrical text and evocative illustrations. Oriented to bedtime, And If the Moon Could Talk is aimed at a slightly older child than the classic Goodnight Moon. Here, a little girl is shown making her own bedtime preparations, before Papa joins her with a book, and 'A story unfolds like a banner wandering across the sky.' The story contrasts each step of that bedtime ritual with what's going on in the world outside - 'And if the moon could talk, / it would tell of the wind rocking a tree / and a bird safe in its nest.' And If the Moon Could Talk makes a welcome, comforting addition to any little one's bedtime bookshelf. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews