Franck, Ed. Moon is a Ball, The: Stories of Panda & Squirrel. Thé Tjong-Khing, Illus. Translated from the Dutch by David Colmer. Gecko, 04/2023. 77pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-7765-7493-3. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Nine short chapters about friends Panda and Squirrel make up this easy fiction book, translated from the Dutch. These simple friendship stories are reminiscent of classics such as Winnie the Pooh and Frog and Toad. The interwoven tales show friendships that are sometimes strained and feelings that are nuanced and complex. The stories are accompanied by absolutely gorgeous and deceptively simple ink-and-watercolor illustrations by Thé Tjong-Khing.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District