Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
on Goodreads (566)
What’s inside...
This simple, young, and satisfying story follows a Chinese American family as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Each member of the family lends a hand as they prepare a moonlit picnic with mooncakes, pomelos, cups of tea, and colorful lanterns. And everyone sends thanks and a secret wish up to the moon. Grace Lin's luminous and gloriously patterned artwork is perfect for this holiday tale. Her story is simple-tailor-made for reading aloud to young children. And she includes an informative author's note with further details on the customs and traditions of the Moon Festival for parents and teachers. The Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays of the year along with the Lunar New Year, so this book makes an excellent companion to Grace Lin's Bringing In the New Year, which features the same family.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Narrator (young Girl)
Mother
Father
Discussion points
What do you think the Moon Festival is about after reading this book?
Can you describe how the characters in the story felt during the Moon Festival?
Why is it important for the family to gather and celebrate together?
What are some of the traditions the family in the book practiced? How do they compare to our family traditions?
If you could create your own Moon Festival, what activities would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about the Moon Festival or any other cultural celebrations.
Encourage your child to describe the illustrations and relate them to the story to deepen understanding.
Discuss the importance of family traditions and share some from your own family to make connections.
After reading, consider exploring more about the Moon Festival through crafts or cooking a dish mentioned in the book together.
Help your child recognize and express their feelings by correlating emotions of the characters with personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family traditions
Explanation: The book depicts a family coming together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, emphasizing the value of shared cultural and familial rituals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and partake in their own family's traditions, understanding their cultural heritage and the importance of familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The family in the story expresses thankfulness for the harvest and each other, highlighting the theme of gratitude throughout the festival.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express gratitude in their daily lives, appreciating the people around them and the blessings they receive.
Example Lesson: The cycle of nature
Explanation: The celebration is centered around the lunar cycle, providing an opportunity to educate children about the phases of the moon and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe the moon and engage with their environment, fostering a greater understanding and respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The family prepares mooncakes and shares them, which teaches the value of generosity and sharing with others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to share their own things, whether it's food, toys, or time, enhancing their social interactions and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and diversity
Explanation: By exploring the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, the story introduces children to cultural diversity and the beauty of different customs.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the curiosity and respect necessary to explore and embrace various cultures within their community and beyond.