Moon Mountain
illustrations by
on Goodreads (6,884)
What’s inside...
An ageless tale of high adventure, now in a stunning graphic novel edition. Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay's classic Bengali novel Chander Pahar paints a portrait of Africa that is hauntingly beautiful and terrifying at the same time. This comic book adaptation brings Bandhopadhyay's vivid descriptions of the vast continent to life, while keeping the essence of the original story untouched. Join Shankar and his friend Alvarez as they make their way through the rugged wilderness of pre-First-World-War Africa and encounter wild beasts, lost tribes, labyrinthine trails, raging volcanoes, and mythical monsters that seem all too real, in search of the fabled diamond mines of Richtersveld, the mountain of the moon. A powerful tale of wanderlust and adventure, Moon Mountain is all about giving wings to your dreams.
Age
7-14
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Shankar Roy
Diego Alvarez
Discussion points
What do you think Moon Mountain symbolizes in the story?
How do the characters change throughout their journey?
What would you have done differently if you were in the protagonist's place?
How does the setting of Moon Mountain affect the story?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced by the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts freely, showing interest in their perspective.
Link discussions to similar experiences or emotions your child may have had to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story to foster creativity.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why it stood out to them.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story and how they can be applied in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Moon Mountain', the protagonist's journey through treacherous landscapes represents the resilience needed to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties in their own lives, whether it’s solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect and appreciation for nature
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of the natural world in the book teach the importance of respecting and valuing the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in activities like recycling, conserving water, and participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist’s adventurous spirit showcases the benefits of being curious and willing to explore unknown territories.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore new subjects in school, ask questions, and engage in discovery through travel or reading.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the story often work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperating with peers in group projects and valuing each person’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters often take brave actions despite uncertainties, which illustrates the virtue of courage.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face new challenges, such as trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of a class, with bravery.