Nonfiction Monday: Coyote Moon by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

Stunning illustrations and spare, poetic prose tell the story of a coyote's night hunt, searching for children for her pups. While her pups wait in the den, guarded by their older siblings, mother coyote hunts. She tries for a mouse, for eggs, for a rabbit, and finally, just as the sun rises, successfully captures a turkey.

Ibatoulline's rich illustrations show the beauty of the night and the coyote's determined hunt for food for her family. Back matter includes further information on coyotes and a list of further information in books and websites.

This story is simple but beautifully captures an often-maligned animal hunting for her family. Older readers will be able to use the book as a starting point for discussion of urban wildlife while younger children will enjoy the evocative text and art.

Verdict: A must-have for your picture book section, whether or not you include informative picture books. A great book for nonfiction storytimes as well as class discussion and one-on-one reading.

ISBN: 9781626720411; Published 2016 by Roaring Brook; Borrowed from another library in my consortium