Nobody Owns the Moon

by Tohby Riddle

Overview

"Nobody Owns the Moon is a standout classic for all ages, a masterly tale of friendship and dignity that fits perfectly into any hand, paw or hoof"—Shaun Tan

*"Respectful of children’s intelligence, the book presents topics such as friendship, acceptance, belonging, and otherness that will challenge them to think further."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Clive Prendergast is a fox who lives successfully in the city, in a one-room apartment in a busy part of town. Humphrey is a donkey who works odd jobs and doesn’t always have a fixed address. Nobody Owns the Moon is the story of their friendship. This modern classic picture book is a perfect marriage of text and image and timeless in its message of belonging and community.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780994384195
Publisher:	Berbay Publishing
Publication date:	10/19/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.69(w) x 11.01(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tohby Riddle is an award-winning creator of picture books. His books also include The Singing Hat, The Great Escape from City Zoo and Irving the Magician (all three were shortlisted for CBCA Picture Book of the Year and more).

Editorial Reviews

"Nobody Owns the Moon is a standout classic for all ages, a masterly tale of friendship and dignity that fits perfectly into any hand, paw or hoof"—Shaun Tan

From the Publisher

★ 2021-06-29
First published in Australia in 2008, the story of a fox who successfully makes a life in the city.

The fox goes by the name of Clive Prendergast and leads a quiet, understated life. He fits in by using a name that can be pronounced (only foxes can say his real name) and being “quick-witted…and able to eat a variety of foods.” By day, he works on an assembly line. By night, he explores the city and enjoys the “interesting goings-on.” He has one or two friends; the one he sees the most is Humphrey, a donkey. Humphrey often has no fixed address and has difficulty keeping a job. Riddle describes the friendship between Clive and Humphrey as one of tranquil acceptance. One day, Humphrey invites Clive to the premiere of the play Nobody Owns the Moon. After a wonderful evening out, the friends agree, “This is our town!” and they part with a big hug. There is a lovely gentleness to the whole narration that readers will find very appealing. Riddle’s artwork weaves together painting and drawings with collage, often incorporating photographs; evident in the illustrations but unremarked in the text, Clive and Humphrey are the only animals in the city mostly inhabited by White humans. Respectful of children’s intelligence, the book presents topics such as friendship, acceptance, belonging, and otherness that will challenge them to think further.

A gentle, understated story that invites reflection. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews