Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone

Children's Bookwatch, April, 2008

Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone

Janan Cain

Illumination Arts Publishing

PO Box 1865, Bellevue, WA 98009

9780974019086, $15.95 www.illumin.com 1-888-210-8216

Written and illustrated by award-winning children's book creator Janan Cain, Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone is a children's picturebook featuring a young, anthropomorphic bee who longs to become a great explorer like his hero, Christopher Columblebee. When Roonie's explorations take him to a dark, unfamiliar place, he encounters scary situations and is approached by a suspicious stranger. Roonie must remember his mother's advice and listen to his own instincts to stay safe. Instead of going along with a stranger, Roonie keeps searching until he finds someone can who can help him in the proper fashion. "Roonie took a deep breath and carefully approached the mother ladybug. 'Ex-ex-excuse me,' he said nervously. 'My n-n-n-name is Roonie B. Moonie. I was exploring and got lost Could you please call my mom and tell her where I am?' 'Of course I will call her,' the ladybug replied kindly. As he recited his phone number, which he knew by heart, Roonie was happy that he had trusted his feelings and used his head." The colorful oil paintings on charcoal paper bring to life this story that is not only enjoyable, but also invaluable for parents to share with their children while rehearsing what they should do and how they should be careful to protect themselves if they should become lost. Highly recommended, especially for children's public library collections.