If you were a polar bear, and let’s just say you were put in charge of watching over the moon – how would you handle this big job? What would your approach be? And what would your concerns be? Imaginative questions like these make me totally love picture books!
For me, it was love at first sight with THE MOON KEEPER by Zosienka. Here’s why:
Dreamy cover with a glow-in-the-dark feel: Just one look at this cover, and I had to know this bear’s story.
Lovely storyline full of fantasy: The polar bear on the cover is Emile, and the night creatures have named him the new moon keeper. This is a huge honor!
Emile gets ready by gathering many important things he will need to look after the moon. Then he climbs a ladder up to the sky and gets to work. I love how he climbs 93 steps to get there.
Every night Emile stays busy watching over the magnificent moon. He clears away clouds and tells fruit bats to “move along when they play too close.”
Gentle messages about change and impermanence – and a sweet look at phases of the moon: Emile enjoys talking with the moon. But as you can imagine, the moon starts to change and slowly disappear. Emile begins to worry. What’s going on with the moon? He wonders if there is something more he needs to do to protect the moon? And will the moon ever come back? Over time and through a journey of discovery, Emile learns that some things in life come and go — and it’s perfectly fine.
***GIVEAWAY***
For a chance to win a copy of THE MOON KEEPER, leave a comment by August 4. I’ll announce the randomly-selected winner in my next post.
Congratulations to Kathy Cannon Wiechman for winning CHARLOTTE THE SCIENTIST from my last post.
Thanks & see you next time!
-Michelle
This looks like a charming yet informative book, and I love the whimsy, imagination, and gorgeous illustrations. I especially liked the page where Emile gathered everything he needed–and it made me wonder how he was going to use all those things to care for the moon. Also the page where he got a new perspective/view of the moon when standing in the tree introducing himself to…an owl? Can’t wait to read this!
You will love it – enjoy! Thanks, Colleen!
Oh, as a true “lunartic” (my definition of loving the moon in all cycles, seasons and weather) I will have to have this book. Winning it would be cool, but I will be purchasing it as well, multiple copies because when I find a picture book I love, my grandchildren always get a copy from me as well!! Looking forward to reading it!
Hi Margaret! What a wonderful way to share your favorite books! Happy Friday!
What a clever idea and beautiful illustrations! Can’t wait to see this one!
Clever indeed! Thanks, Mary!
What a lovely book!
Hi Michele! Thanks for reading!
This looks lovely!
Hi Jody! Enjoy the weekend!
How delightful to learn about this new treasure! Emile seems like a character we all need to meet. I am looking forward to pouring over the gorgeous art and sharing this book with others!
Hi Lisa! Have a great weekend!
This book looks gorgeous and heartwarming. As a fan of all of Frank Asch’s “Moon Bear” books, this one is definitely on my TBR list!
Nice! Thanks for reading, Cindy!
Oh my, what a GORGEOUS looking book! Off to check if my library has it!
Yay! Thanks, Debra!
This sounds adorable! I can’t wait to read it!
Hi Heather! Thanks for reading!
What a creative book: a polar bear caring for the waning moon. Love.
Indeed! Happy Friday, Stacy!
Ah, the beautiful and hypnotic moon, paired with a caring polar bear -love it!
Thanks for reading!
The moon always seems to be such a magical thing. This story looks to be very lovely.
That’s a great way to put it, Cindy. Magical!
I enjoy all things space related and am excited to read this book.
Hi Danielle, Happy Friday!
This looks beautiful, and I love how it introduces the changes as inquiry. Extremely developmentally appropriate! It will fit right in with early science standards.
Thanks for reading, Carrie!
Only 93 steps? I think even I could make it to the moon! Thanks for sharing such an intriguing book!
Ha! You’re right – we could make it there, Cathy!
What an imaginative way to show the phases of the moon! I remember, as a child, being captivated by its growing and shrinking, its comings and goings. Can’t wait to share this with today’s kids.
Hi Kathy! It is captivating. Now that you mention it, I felt the same way as a child.
Oh, this looks so beautiful and thoughtful. I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
This looks so engaging and lovely. I definitely want to read this! Thanks for sharing, Michelle!
Hi Judy! Thanks for reading!
Wow this looks fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Deb! Happy Friday!
Looks beautiful. I love the cover, where the bear and the moon almost mirror each other.
Good point about the mirroring! Have a great weekend!
I love picture books that are fun to read with fun characters and learn something along the way! Good Job! Michelle.
Hi Terri! Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend!
I think that my grandson would love this book. I know I do.
Yay! Happy Friday!
I love the concept and execution. And what gorgeous illustrations!
Gorgeous! Happy Friday, Vijaya!
This book looks special. I look forward to seeing it. Thanks for sharing.
A moon keeper — I love it! Thanks for sharing this book.
Thanks for reading, Leann!
This book looks so dreamy! And as an amateur moon keeper myself, I can’t wait to read it!!
I want to join the club of the amateur moon keepers. Count me in! Thanks, Dedra!
What a lovely story concept! The illustrations are soft and beautiful and the story reveals a wonderful message. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Pamela! Happy Friday!
I love this bear! What a lovely book!
Happy Friday, Kathy!
Michelle–Looks like you uncovered a winner! That bear is just plain adorable!!
Thank you!!
Thanks for reading, Mary!
Wow! This book looks gorgeous! And I LOVE its premise.
What a lovely idea for a book! I’m a moon watcher so I know this book will be one that I will love!
Oh, my. This book looks simply enchanting. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Thanks for telling me about it.
This book looks so lovely! #kidlit Congrats!
Thank you for a chance. I haven’t heard of this one so I am excited!
That looks like a charming book. I love that they include the phases of the moon while telling a fun story.
Thanks for sharing this book. I love the premise and the magic realism seems spot-on for readers.
oops magical realism
Wow! I have to have this book!! It sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. What a brilliant idea for a book. Looks like a heartwarming read.
This book looks delightful. I look forward to reading it with my little ones.
This book looks like a fun read! I love how he gathers everything he will need. Wonderful idea for a story!!
This would be an excellent book to introduce the phases of the moon with. The illustrations are spectacular! This would be a great addition to our school’s library!
GORGEOUS!!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Thank you for the recommendation, Michelle!
“Some things come and go and that is fine.” I love this line. Can explain tons of things during this crazy time!
Beautiful! I can’t wait to read this book! Congrats!
Congrats! Absolutely delicious!
This book sounds great! Would love to get a copy to read to my twins.
What a lovely book. My granddaughters would love it.
I just love that Polar Bear. He is adorable!
This looks like a lovely book. Can’t wait to read it.
What a wonderful concept. Great cover. So inviting
This looks so sweet. Congratulations!
Sounds like a great book and I like how the moon is part of the story.
This book looks beautiful. I love how the polar bear and moon match. Can’t wait to read it.
This is just lovely! What a great way to introduce kids to the phases of the moon, and and important life lesson at the same time. I look forward to reading it.
There’s something so soothing about these beautiful illustrations and story line. I need this picture book in my life:)
What an imaginative tale. Thanks for sharing.