The Moonlight Zoo
What’s inside...
Eva has looked everywhere for her missing cat, Luna. Then she discovers the Moonlight Zoo – a magical place for all lost animals. There, amongst lions, elephants, parrots, dogs, and even guinea pigs, Eva searches for Luna. But the clock is ticking, and Eva must find her beloved cat before the zoo fades away at the break of dawn.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Eva
Discussion points
What do you think Eva feels when she is searching for Luna in the Moonlight Zoo? How would you feel if you were in her place?
How do the different animals in the zoo help Eva on her quest? What does this tell us about helping others and teamwork?
Why do you think the Moonlight Zoo only appears at night? What makes nighttime special in the story?
If you could talk to one animal from the Moonlight Zoo, which one would it be and what would you ask them?
What do you think is the most important lesson Eva learns during her adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Eva and the animals, enhancing the magical and adventurous elements of the story.
Encourage your child to imagine their own version of the Moonlight Zoo, asking them to describe what kind of magical animals they would include and why.
Draw parallels between the story and your child’s own experiences with pets or animals, fostering a deeper personal connection to the theme.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss what they liked most about it and why it stood out to them.
Promote empathy by discussing the feelings and challenges of both Eva and the animals, and relate those situations to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'The Moonlight Zoo', the protagonist Eva searches for her lost cat, showing bravery as she navigates a magical zoo filled with lost pets. Her journey is filled with challenges which she overcomes with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, understanding that perseverance can help overcome obstacles in school and in personal experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring for others
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Eva not only cares for her lost cat but also shows empathy towards the other lost animals she encounters, understanding their feelings and fears.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being empathetic and caring towards others, helping them to build strong, supportive relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and positive thinking
Explanation: Eva’s hope of finding her cat keeps her going despite the difficulties she faces. Her positive attitude is a crucial factor in her success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and a positive outlook even in difficult times, which can help them to manage stress and anxiety.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Eva encounters various problems that she needs to solve in order to move forward in her quest. She uses her wits and the resources available to her to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in everyday tasks, such as working out conflicts with peers or tackling challenging school assignments.
Example Lesson: The value of adventure and exploration
Explanation: The magical setting of the Moonlight Zoo offers Eva a world of wonders to explore, enriching her experience and broadening her perspective.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, whether through reading, traveling, or engaging in creative play, fostering a lifelong love of learning.