Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng

Walker, 2011. ISBN: 9781406337730.
Recommended for ages 6 and up. Although Suhaila has never met her grandmother, her mother tells her how special she had been and that the older woman would have been happy to 'wrap her arms around the whole world'. One evening, a ladder appears at the child's window with Grandma Annie on the bottom rung. Together, the two climb the ladder directly to the moon. When the child becomes cold, her Grandmother's lap grows 'wider than the biggest crater' and Suhaila leaps into her arms to allow her Grandmother to support and warm her. As they watch, listen and feel what is happening on Earth, the two attract a multitude of people from different countries and faiths, each with his or her own experiences or challenges. The cycle of life is played out before their very eyes, with Suhaila developing a deeper understanding as she watches and helps.
This moving and stunningly illustrated book contains deep and profound messages. As a book for the very young child, much would undoubtedly be lost. Older children would be more able to learn from the story as they read of the troubles in the world and realise the importance of accepting cultural differences and working together to overcome war and create peace, through a genuine love of others.
Jo Schenkel