Review by Booklist Review
Bat, Cat, and Owl have all arrived for school, but where's Mouse? It's supposed to be her first day, but she's nowhere to be found. Eventually, teacher Miss Moon finds her hiding nervously behind the curtain and coaxes her out. That was great hiding, says Bat, and one by one, the other students and Miss Moon put Mouse at ease by playing a game of hide-and-seek and enjoying their midnight snack together. Despite the fact that the entire story takes place at night (this is Moonlight School, after all), the scenes are brightly lit, and the illustrations practically glow. Readers will enjoy looking for Mouse's hiding spot in the detailed pages. The Moonlight School angle adds an interesting touch to this first-day-of-school-jitters yarn as well: it seems to be a school for familiars, with kindly Miss Moon wearing a witch hat, a jar labeled Eyes of Newts on the counter, and books entitled Talking to Trees and Things That Go Bump on the shelves. A sweet, entertaining story that will comfort those nervous to start school themselves.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A young witch holds court at Miss Moon's Moonlight School, which is indeed held under the glow of an enormous full moon that hangs in a pale night sky. Miss Moon's wide-eyed students-Owl, Bat, and Cat-promptly take their seats, but shy Mouse hides behind a curtain. To boost Mouse's confidence, Miss Moon suggests that they play hide-and-seek, letting Mouse's skills shine. Combining loose, crayonlike lines with moody blocks of color, Pye's digital illustrations inject humor into the story as Miss Moon easily tracks down Owl, Bat, and Cat, while Mouse finds a winning hiding spot (Miss Moon's hat). Beneath the only-slightly-spooky trappings, it's a sweet and gentle exploration of first-day jitters. Ages 3-7. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A gentle, Halloween-themed story about overcoming shyness and embracing one's talents. Owl, Cat, Bat, and Mouse attend the one-room moonlight school, headed by Miss Moon, a friendly witch. Experiencing typical first-day jitters, Mouse hides from his fellow classmates and teacher at the beginning of the story. But his good manners overrule his shy nature, forcing him to reveal his hiding spot when called upon by his teacher. His classmates are so impressed with his hiding skills that an impromptu game of hide-and-seek breaks out. Cat, Bat, and Owl are all easy to find, but Mouse again eludes his seekers. When his final hiding spot is revealed (in the teacher's hat) more praise is given and Mouse decides that not only does he like school but he will never hide from his friends again-unless playing hide-and-seek of course! Puttock's sweet story of encouragement pairs well with Pye's delightful illustrations. VERDICT A first purchase, especially for family-friendly Halloween storytimes.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
On her first night at Miss Moon's Moonlight School, shy Mouse arrives early so she can hide. Miss Moon initiates a game of hide-and-seek, and the class learns that Mouse is exceptionally clever at hiding. Soon enough Mouse feels more confident. Digital illustrations picture the cozy schoolroom replete with animal-sized desks in this gentle tale perfect for a first-day-of-school read-aloud. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A shy new student uses her best talent to ease into her first night at school. Anxious Mouse has a clever solution for her first-night worries: she sneaks into school early and hides so as to avoid her classmates and teacher. But her manners are too good to ignore the black-hat-clad teacher when she asks if Mouse is present, and glasses-wearing Bat, Cat, Owl, and Miss Moon all compliment her excellent hiding ability. Then the five enjoy a rousing game of hide-and-seek (Mouse proves she's the best, though observant readers may spot her) before a midnight snack. The slight tale doesn't offer much for those who are similarly nervous or shy about their own first days of school. While the classroom is outfitted with some familiar school things, there are also some standouts that suit Moonlight School, including books of spells, a jar labeled "eyes of newts," and a jar holding the classroom's supply of magic wands. Pye's digital illustrations are full of shadows brightened by both a few lanterns and the moon, never letting readers forget the specialness of this particular school. Unless they are as good at hiding as Mouse, readers will be hard-pressed to apply any lessons learned here in their own lives. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
