The Moon Keeper
What’s inside...
Emile has a new job as moon keeper. He spends his evenings making sure the moon has everything it needs to shine its light over the night creatures. Night after night he keeps watch over the moon—clearing away the clouds and telling the fruit bats to move along when they play too close. Emile finds the moon nice to talk to in the stillness of the night. But what happens when the moon starts to change and slowly disappears? From debut author and illustrator Zosienka, The Moon Keeper is a perfect bedtime story with gentle messages about friendship, impermanence, and nature. Fall in love with this moving and magical picture book.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emile
Discussion points
How do you think Emile the bear felt when he saw the moon changing shapes? Can you describe a time when you noticed something unexpected?
What do you think Emile learned about his job as the Moon Keeper throughout the story?
Why do you think it's important for the moon to have a keeper? What responsibilities would you have if you were the Moon Keeper?
How did the different animals in the forest react to the moon's changes? What does this teach us about handling changes in our own lives?
If you could ask Emile one question about his adventure, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the phases of the moon to provide context for Emile's role as the Moon Keeper.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think Emile is feeling, encouraging them to express empathy.
After reading, relate the story to personal experiences by discussing any recent changes in your child’s life and how they felt or reacted.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can lead to a deeper discussion about the story’s themes.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage your child, asking them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Moon Keeper,' the protagonist, Emile, is a bear who takes on the responsibility of taking care of the moon. He learns to manage his duties with care and diligence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible and taking care of their belongings and tasks, encouraging them to embrace duties at home or in school with sincerity.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emile faces various challenges as the moon goes through its phases and affects the world around him. He learns to adapt to the changes rather than resisting them.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of adapting to changes and unexpected situations in life, promoting resilience and flexibility in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Emile is curious about the moon’s behaviors and phases, prompting him to observe and learn more about his environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Care
Explanation: Emile shows concern for how the phases of the moon affect others in the forest, displaying empathy and thoughtfulness.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of considering other people’s feelings and circumstances, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness towards others.
Example Lesson: Facing Fears
Explanation: Emile confronts his fears about the dark and the unknown aspects of the moon, learning to overcome them as he becomes more familiar with his responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that facing fears can lead to personal growth and confidence, encouraging them to tackle new challenges despite their apprehensions.