Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
#1 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Companion Books Series
on Goodreads (52,271)
What’s inside...
This is the story of a young girl named Minli who lives in a poor village and sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. She hopes to obtain wisdom on how to change her family’s fortune. Along the way, she encounters a variety of colorful characters and magical creatures from Chinese folklore. Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat, returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship, featuring beautiful full-color illustrations. This novel is a companion to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver, and has been recognized as a Newbery Honor Book, a New York Times bestseller, an Al Roker's TODAY Show Book Club pick, a Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection, and a Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time.
Character compass
Minli
Ma
A-Fu
Da-Fu
Buffalo Boy
The Dragon
Ba
Discussion points
What do you think Minli learned on her journey to find the Old Man of the Moon?
How do the stories told by the villagers change Minli's perspective on life?
Why do you think the dragon wanted to accompany Minli on her quest?
How did Minli's actions affect the people she met during her adventure?
What does the story teach us about the importance of friendship and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Minli’s shoes and ask how they would feel embarking on such a journey.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how Minli never gave up on her quest, exploring how this might apply to challenges in your child's life.
Highlight the folklore and myths within the story, and relate them to your own family’s stories or cultural tales you may share together.
After reading, engage in a creative activity such as drawing scenes or characters from the book, to deepen the connection with the story’s themes.
Use the vivid descriptions in the book to help your child visualize the scenes, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of gratitude and thankfulness
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist Minli shows appreciation for assistance and kindness from others on her journey, teaching children the importance of being thankful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express gratitude for the help and gifts they receive daily, fostering a positive and appreciative attitude.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Minli continues her quest despite numerous challenges, demonstrating that persistence can lead to achieving one's goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep persisting in their personal goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects, even when they face obstacles.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Stories within the book are used to convey morals and connect characters. It emphasizes the impact and importance of storytelling in culture and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their own stories or family anecdotes, understanding the role of storytelling in learning and bonding.
Example Lesson: The significance of kindness and helping others
Explanation: Kindness is a recurring theme, exemplified by characters who aid Minli without expecting anything in return.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging acts of kindness and helping others in their community, school, or home.