Luna Loves Art

Luna is bursting with excitement. Today, her class are going on a school trip to an art gallery and mum is coming as a parent helper. Everyone is looking forward to going - except Finn. At the gallery, there is so much to see and do, but Finn is not behaving and there is obviously something wrong. Puzzled by his mean behaviour, Luna is comforted by her mum who suggests that Finn might need a friend. Luna tries and Finn starts to open up, sharing some of his feelings. By the end of the trip, they are all enjoying their art adventure.

This is a lovely story in many ways. Firstly, it is a celebration of art, introducing children to a whole host of works of art. The very talented Fiona Lumbers has done an amazing job of reproducing some iconic paintings and sculptures, gathering them together in a spacious, appealing gallery and showing the children's reactions to them. The end papers give the title, date of composition and name of the artist for each work, making it easy to find out more.

But the story is also about empathy and friendship. Finn's background is never explicitly shared with the reader, but as Luna makes a gesture of friendship, his reaction to the art helps to explain his behaviour and allows Luna's mum to offer some gentle guidance. Children may well see themselves reflected in Finn - or in Luna, as she tries to befriend him, although, initially, it seems like a difficult step to take.

A delight from start to finish, Luna Loves Art is perfect for sharing again and again.

Picture books / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+