Instead it is tightly plotted middle grade historical fiction about religious persecution in 16th century France. However, a reader who is looking for that will be sorely disappointed. I would say that's what the marketer who picked the title wanted the reader to do. Knowing that, when a person picks up Curse of a Winter Moon and starts reading it, they might think they are about to start reading a werewolf novel. She offers much information to help extend and enrich the reading experience and an intimate look at a writer and her work.Mary Casanova is a well-respected, for me local, middle grade adventure novelist. Mary Casanova and You gives readers the behind the scenes stories of Casanova’s research and writing in her own words. The back story of each of Casanova’s books will provide ideas for lesson plans and connections for the teacher to make for and with young readers. Her most recent books, middle grade novels, include Jess a book promoted by the American Girl publishers as their Girl of the Year 2006. This title discusses her life and work and the researching, writing and illustrating of each of her books, books that often present challenges in nature and focus on relationships between people and the environment. This seventh book in the Author and YOU series features the life and work of Mary Casanova, award winning picture book author, and author of middle grade fiction. Caldecott Medal and Honor winner Ed Young’s magnificent illustrations bring this poignant traditional folktale to life. Now Hai Li Bu is faced with a terrible choice: to let the people of his village die in the flood or to reveal his secret, knowing the dire consequences for himself. How can we know what you say is true?’ a village elder asks him.

Hai Li Bu’s people are saved from famine, but when he hears from the animals that a flood is coming that will destroy everything in his village, the people do not listen to him.

His wish is granted with a provision: He must never reveal the secret of his gift to anyone. Then he can be a better hunter for his village. Hai Li Bu asks only to know the language of animals. The Dragon King offers Hai Li Bu the reward of his choice. He is surprised to learn that he has rescued the daughter of the Dragon King of the Sea. Out on a hunt one day, Hai Li Bu saves a small snake from the beak of a crane. The people grow thin and weak, the children rarely laugh but worst of all, they begin to argue and stop listening to one another. Hai Li Bu is a good hunter, but not even he can find enough food for his village when the drought comes.

Curse of a Winter Moon by Mary Casanova