Hello. Fats here.
If you’re looking for a good bedtime story for the little ones, look no further. Today’s post features the beautiful picturebook written and illustrated by James Christopher Carroll. The Boy and the Moon is Carroll’s first children’s book. The story begins at midnight, showing a little boy and his dog looking outside the house.
It was midnight when the dancing and the howling began. They howled at the moon, they howled at life, and they howled with all things in the night.
The lines reminded me of Max and the Wild Things in Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, as they run around and let their ruckus begin. Carroll’s “ruckus” is sweet and gentle, though. It is a joyful celebration of the beauty and magic of the night.
The celebration comes to a halt when the moon gets caught in a tree. Even without words, readers can feel the sadness in the air and the stillness of the night. Will the moon ever be saved?
Carroll’s dazzling and dreamy illustrations are reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s bold watercolor paintings. I love how realistic Carroll’s illustrations are, especially the moon with its craters and rough edges. Children will take delight in the story and marvel at the images in the book. The Boy and the Moon is short and sweet, perfect for a bedtime story.
“…[N]o one grumbles when the moon shines. Everyone becomes happy and appreciates the moon in their own special way. Children watch their shadows and play in its light, people gather at the square to tell stories and dance through the night. A lot of happy things happen when the moon shines…”
— from an old man in Kabati, as shared by Ishmael Beah, former boy soldier from Sierra Leone and author of A Long Way Gone
Here’s a relaxing music that you can listen to.
Gathering Books 
Oh. So beautiful. And so sweet too. Thanks for this lovely stargirl. 🙂
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Glad you like it, beautiful! 🙂
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Fats, you bring such beautiful gifts to our attention. And love the music! Thank you! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Donna! I’m thankful I found this in our little library. 🙂
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Wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks, Erik! The little girl in your family might enjoy this book! 🙂
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Thanks so much for reviewing my book. Your words were very kind. -Jim (Carroll)
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Jim, my copy is waiting for me at the library and I can’t wait to see it “in person.” I have a feeling it’s going to become part of my HOME library, the illustrations look so gorgeous 🙂 Congratulations on your FIRST BOOK published! 😀
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Thank you for reminding us about our connection to the outside world: animals, nature, and celestial beings. It brings out the little kids in us that love to play outside. Your art and animation are all so wonderful, Jim! 🙂
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XOXO -JC
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