Finding Monkey Moon
Age 3+
Picture Books
Father and son take a special night-time journey to locate a lost toy.
Michael and Monkey Moon are inseparable – especially when it’s time for bed. But one night Monkey Moon is nowhere to be found and Michael’s search for him goes way beyond the toy box. A heartwarming story of love, family, determination and hope.
Resources
Creators
Elizabeth Pulford was born in Hamilton, Canada, but was brought up in New Zealand from the age of two. Her publications include novels, articles, poetry, short stories in newspapers, magazines and on the radio. Many of her adult short stories have won national competitions. Her children’s books range from early readers through to YA novels. Elizabeth has always loved books. In fact some of her best friends are books and she couldn’t imagine life without them. Her previous titles with Walker Books are Castlecliff & the Fossil Princess, Blackthorn, Blackthorn’s Betrayal, Broken and Tussock, which was a finalist in the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards, Junior Fiction category, 2011. For more information about the author, please visit her website: http://www.elizabethpulford.co.nz/
Kate Wilkinson has been designing, painting, drawing and sketching since she was a child. She attended a performing arts high school in Canada, which led to studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts as a sculpture major. She continues to sculpt and paint. She has worked in the film industry, and only recently moved into illustration. Finding Monkey Moon is her first picture book with Walker Books.
Reviews
Monkey Moon is a familiar tale of facing and overcoming childhood fears. The universal themes mean kids all over will relate to the story. Mine did, having lost their precious blankies on more than one occasion. The illustrations are beautiful yet eerie, capturing the uneasy darkness of the night and the creepiness of the shadows as it takes over.
Creative Kids Tales
The perfect ending has a subtle repeat of the boy reflecting the actions of his father. This beautiful hardback publication takes readers on a memorable journey.
Bookrapt
It’s a rescue in the old fashioned way, within Michael’s imagination, with Dad taking a solid leadership role while teaching responsibility by stealth.
Booksellers NZ
A simply told tale about the perennial bedtime/nighttime fears, with exquisite and atmospheric acrylic paint illustrations.
Otago Daily Times
In the beautifully worded text, Pulford suggests Michael’s feelings through his words to Monkey Moon and the strength of his parallel bonds with his father and his stuffie. Wilkinson’s illustrations, created with acrylics, are dark and subtle yet highly accessible.
Booklist
The story is sweet and simple, and most children will be able to relate.
School Library Journal
Pulford has imagined a simple and lovely narrative to convey the distress of losing a loved item or person, and Wilkinson’s illustrations are sophisticated.
Reading Time
Charmingly written and illustrated.
Pinerolo
This is a quiet and reassuring story for the very young.
Storytime NZ
This heart warming bedtime story of devotion, persistence and hope is suitable for both pre-schoolers and junior primary school children. Adults will enjoy this beautiful book as well.
Magpies Magazine
