This is like [b:Where the Wild Things Are|19543|Where the Wild Things Are|Maurice Sendak|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1384434560s/19543.jpg|3020535] if Max was a shy musician who just wanted to be alone. It's thematically similar: imagination, a journey, rejection, acceptance. But of course it's also got that signature Stead quirkiness that makes it either super lovable or just plain strange depending on your taste.

The art is exquisite -- I always love Erin Stead's illustrations. The text meanders in a way that works better the more times you read it. For example, when the room fills up with smoke, I was like what? Only on a second read did I put it together that the moon was blocking up her chimney. And that the whole thing is in her imagination anyway. Her stuffed animals are a walrus and a bear who turn into the hat-maker and the fisherman.

I like books that feel unique and classic at the same time and this book does that for me. ( )

Another beautiful collaboration from the Steads, this time featuring a girl named Harriet who loves to play her cello - but not for an audience. Harriet ("call me Hank") becomes friends with the moon, and eventually agrees to play her cello for him, if he agrees to close his eyes and not to cheer. ( )