Under the Silver Moon: Lullabies, Night Songs & Poems

Cutting intricate designs from paper and painting them with watercolor, Dalton (Giving Thanks) fashions old-fashioned storybook scenes to accompany a collection of lullabies, poems, nursery rhymes, and prayers. Some are from traditional European settings (“Brahms’ Lullaby,” Humperdinck’s “Evening Prayer”), and others are from North America (“All the Pretty Little Ponies,” “Hush, Little Baby”). In many cases, the poems form a gentle introduction to literary English, and to new words whose sounds and rhythms are enjoyable for their own sake: “Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight/ With lilies o’er spread is baby’s wee bed.” Dalton’s scenes, set against velvety black backdrops, radiate warmth and security as children are shown sleeping, napping, and gazing at the night sky. Some are children of color, and a wreath of cutout angel figures features diverse faces. The borders are often as elaborate as the central scenes themselves—a flock of colorful butterflies, the braided manes of horses, bouquets of flowers, and a bower of pussy willows with each catkin’s silvery bloom carefully shaded. A lovely gift for new parents. Ages 2–5. (July)