cover image Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky

Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky

Niki Daly. HarperCollins, $15 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-688-13331-3

In the beginning Sun and Moon live happily on earth, keeping house in grand style and sharing elegant taste. But when roving Sun discovers Sea, who ""shimmers and dances without end"" and whose songs are ""as soothing as sleep,"" he is infatuated and invites Sea home to meet Moon. Insolent Sea fills the house and rises-and rises. To escape Sea, Sun and Moon take to the sky, where their divided destinies are sealed: Moon establishes a separate residence ""with her star children on the dark side of time."" Daly's witty illustrations immerse this Nigerian tale in offbeat charm. His sophisticated watercolors showcase sketchy images borrowed from Renaissance motifs. A wonderful balance of high energy and refined aesthetics. Ages 4-up. (May)