PreS-Gr 1-A muted color palette and whimsical illustrations set the stage for Michael as he is getting ready for bed. Before bed, though, he must find his stuffed toy, Monkey Moon. He and his father look around the house but quickly realize that the toy must have been left in the park. They bundle up and walk in the cold and dark in search of Monkey Moon. Michael searches all around the park, calling out to Monkey Moon occasionally. Just when he is about to give up, he finds his beloved monkey, and he and his father walk home. The story is sweet and simple, and most children will be able to relate. VERDICT A nice addition to larger collections, but not a necessary one.-Emily E. Lazio, The Smithtown Special Library District, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

It's bedtime and Monkey Moon is missing, so Michael and his dad head back to the park to search for the beloved stuffed companion there. Shadowy full-spread acrylics softly illuminate the pair's flashlight-aided mission. Pulford conveys mood (the boy's distress, then his relief at finding Monkey Moon) at the expense of plot, but the quiet story would make a reassuring bedtime read. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

At bedtime, Michael can't find his favorite stuffed animal, Monkey Moon, even with his father's help. They don jackets, boots, and hats before walking down the dark, quiet street to the park. Dad swings the boy onto his shoulders for a ride part of the way. At the park, Michael shines a flashlight and runs about searching as he calls out reassuring words to Monkey Moon. Losing hope, he kicks at a bush and suddenly sees his friend below. As they walk home, Michael swings the monkey onto his shoulders. In the beautifully worded text, Pulford suggests Michael's feelings through his words to Monkey Moon and the strength of his parallel bonds with his father and his stuffie. Wilkinson's illustrations, created with acrylics, are dark and subtle yet highly accessible. The park's trees, benches, and sandbox equipment look a bit eerie in the dim light, but children will be delighted to point out Monkey Moon just before Michael finds him. A promising first picture book for Wilkinson and a satisfying read-aloud choice.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

When a favorite toy goes missing, what's a little boy to do? "Every night at half past seven," Michael and his soft stuffed toy Monkey Moon go "hippity-hop" up the stairs to bed. But one night, Michael can't find Monkey Moon in any of his favorite placesnot "hiding under the sofa" or "tucked behind a chair" or "playing in the toy box." Michael decides that Monkey Moon must have gone to the park. So, even though it's dark and rather cold, Michael decides to go find him. Of course, Dad comes along. The streets are quiet, and a brisk wind blows. The park is empty at this hour, and leaves "scuff around their feet" as they walk, and a white owl hoots on a high branch. Michael searches through the trees, a sandbox, an old wooden bench, and the sunken garden, calling out for Monkey Moon all the while. Nothing. Then, amazingly, Michael kicks at a bush and what should he see in a tangle of leaves and branches on the ground but his best friend. After a long hug, Michael puts Monkey Moon on his shoulder, and the trio hippity-hops home. Pulford's story seems like an excuse for Wilkinson's acrylic illustrations, which capture night's beauty with elegance and depth. The measured prose is a good match, but the book is far more mood piece than plot. A quiet, contemplative book for bedtime. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.