cover image Builder of the Moon

Builder of the Moon

Tim Wynne-Jones. Margaret K. McElderry Books, $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-689-50472-3

When a message arrives from the moon for help, it fortunately lands in the bedroom of David Finebloom, a brave block builder. David assures the moon he will be right there and, after telling his mother not to wait up for him, gathers his tools (blocks and toys) and activates his spaceship to the moon. Once there, David sets about repairing the moon. He starts with the tranquil sea, then adds the valleys, hills and mountains. The moon grows bigger and rounder until it is fixed. Then David heads home, just in time for breakfast. The succinct, down-to-earth text aptly reflects the imaginative world of a child, while Wallace's dark-hued pastel and pencil pictures ground the story in reality. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)