The Nightgown of the Sullen Moon

by Nancy Willard

Book Overview

The moon laments that poets have praised her and men have worshiped her, but no one has ever given her what she really wants--a nightgown such as people on earth wear when they sleep under warm featherbeds at night. Children will love this imaginative explanation of the lunar cycle.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152574301
• ISBN13: 9780152574307
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 11.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Weird & Wonderful

Yes, this is an odd book, as children's books go. Quirky. But children are a little strange, too, and I was maybe a little surprised and very delighted when my daughter asked for this to be read again and again. If I had to guess, I'd say it's precisely because the moon is "sullen" --and kids are aware that they themselves aren't always happy and sunny. What a nice validation for a little child, to see that characters in a book can be a little downright grumpy and selfish too! The illustrations are perfect. A little dreamy and not too busy, as so many children's books are these days. I highly recommend this one.

This One's a Keeper

A sweet story that I find very charming. I just ordered it because I want to own a copy. This book is great for preschool or other teachers of young children who need something with a moon or celestial theme. The story line is clever and refreshing, and very whimsical. My favorite part of the book is when the children all over the world look up in the sky and can't find the moon. You see them all wistfully calling the moon in their own languages -- nothing will be right again until the moon reappears. This multilingual aspect adds a dimension to a truly memorable book.

Thick, hair-raising magick!

This is a book from my childhood, and I was curious to find if it was still in print! It is one of the most supremly vivid and special books and memories of my past, I cherish this book with the upmost grace!! The illustrations will mezmerize any reader, the brilliant watercolor washes are astonishing. The words are simple, bright, they seem almost ancient in many ways. It is a timeless book, I love it.

An beautifully written book

The Nightgown of the Sullen Moon is a wonderful story. Theprose are simple and easy for children, grades 2-4, to read. The storygives a mythological persepective as to why the moon is sometimes full and sometimes missing from the sky. I read this story over and over to my kids. They love it.