Riddle, Tohby. Nobody Owns the Moon. Tohby Riddle, Illus. Picture Book. Berbay, 10/2021. [32]pp. $19.99. 978-0-9943841-9-5. LOW ADDITIONAL. GRADES K-2.
A fox called Clive Prendergast lives successfully in the city— clothed, working, and renting an apartment. After meeting up with an unsuccessful donkey named Humphrey who doesn’t always have a fixed address, they find a ticket to a fancy movie premiere, where they have a grand time at the show and an included dinner. Originally published in Australia in 2008, this quiet title is a bit slow-moving, and it is unclear as to why these two animals live in the city and why this movie premiere means anything to them. Readers are likely to be confused by the storyline and baffled by the ending, where they say, “This is our town!” then hug, and part ways. This reader continues to wonder why.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library