Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky

Synopsis: This folktale explains how the sun and moon became part of the sky. The story begins by explaining how the sun and moon lived together on the Earth in a large and beautiful home. The sun would travel the earth, and during his travels he befriended the sea and invited her to visit him and the moon at their home. The moon was a homebody who liked to be amongst her prized possessions. The sea eventually visits them, bringing along with her all the contents of the sea, her children. As the sea and her children engulf the sun and moon's home, both entities take refuge in the sky to keep from drowning. The moon is extremely upset with the sun's foolish decision to invite the sea to their house, and she decides to live on the dark side of the universe to avoid contact with the foolish sun. Evaluation: The story begins with a citation, written by the author, explaining that this story originated from a Nigerian myth. The plot of this story is simple; the impulsive sun ruins his home by inviting the sea for a visit. He is not aware of the sea's size and believes the sea and all her children will fit comfortably inside his rather large home. The language is vivid and expressive. The sea is described as having "liquidy dances." The text describes the moon "turning blue" over the thought of the sea and all her children visiting her finely decorated home. A theme does emerge from the telling of this story. The sun was too prideful, believing his house was bigger than the sea. His miscalculation cost him his home and his partner, the moon. Also, the sun had an opportunity to ask the sea to leave before his home was destroyed, but pride prevents him from turning the sea and all her children away. Children will learn that pride can have consequences. The story conforms to western norms. Although it is a Nigerian tale, the language does not depict this culture in any way. The illustrations are whimsical and child friendly. Primary age children will enjoy the story. One activity that could accompany this story would be for children to create their own mythical story explaining how some force of nature came to be. This tale provides a humorous and entertaining reason for the sun and the moon.

This is a book that succeeds for children and adults. The artwork is unique and reminiscent of both Renaissance works as well as children's books of the 1940s. The story is simple, well-told and to the point. It highlights both the value of hospitality and the price of vanity. Highly recommended.