Under the Moon

"Under the Moon" by Vivian French offers a charming collection of three original fairy tales, making it a delightful choice for young readers aged 4 to 11. The book opens with a whimsical story of a little old woman who takes on the monumental task of cleaning the cobwebs from the sky, a tale brimming with gentle magic and imaginative scope. The second story, featuring Little Ivan and Old Mother Wolf, introduces a more traditional folk-tale dynamic, exploring themes of peril and bravery in a way that is engaging but not overly frightening for the target age group. Finally, the narrative of a small green child produced by a log of applewood adds a touch of natural wonder and uniqueness. The book handles potentially sensitive topics, such as a child being "taken away" by a wolf, with a mild, classic fairy tale approach, focusing more on the adventure and resolution than on intense fear. The emotional arc varies with each story, from the lighthearted wonder of the first to the mild suspense and eventual triumph of the second. This collection is ideal for children who enjoy traditional fairy tales but are also open to new, imaginative narratives. Parents might reach for this book when their child is looking for short, engaging stories that can be read in one sitting, or when they want to introduce themes of courage and imagination without heavy emotional content. Younger children (4-6) will enjoy it as a read-aloud, while older children (7-11) can manage it as an early independent read. Its episodic nature makes it distinct from single-narrative fairy tales, offering variety within a cohesive magical theme.