How the Moon Regained Her Shape

Janet Ruth Heller
Sylvan Dell Pub (2006)
ISBN 9780976494348
Reviewed by Stephanie and Parish (age 3) Rollins for Reader Views (4/07)

“How the Moon Regained Her Shape” is about the moon losing its size, because the sun ridiculed the moon.  The moon losing its size is an example of how people lose their confidence when people use words that hurt. 

A comet directs the moon to a woman named Round Arms to show the moon his worth.  Round arms takes him on a journey to hear what others think of him.  He then realizes his worth.  The words of others build him up after the words of the sun tore him down.

“How the Moon Regained Her Shape” tells a wonderful, relevant story of the strength of words to both hurt and heal.  Children so often do not understand the power they have when they communicate with others.  This book does a great job of explaining that. 

The illustrations are Native Indian-like.  Of course, Round Arms is a Native Indian name.  Though the illustrations do accurately portray the story, the illustrations are not attractive to children. 

Parish did not want to read this book, but she wanted ice-cream; we made a deal. 

“Did you like this book?”
“Hmmmm…”  She puts her finger to her mouth in the contemplating manner.
 “No.”

“Why not?”
“I don’t know.”

“Do you like the pictures?”
“No.”

“Do you want to keep this book or give it away?”
“Give it away.”

We all know that children can be cruel to other children.  “How the Moon Regained Her Shape” explains well to children how both hurtful and helpful words can be.  The words are appropriate for beginning readers.  Though the pictures are not attractive, parents will find “How the Moon Regained Her Shape” to be a wonderful story to share with their children.

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