
Reach for this book when your child expresses a big, far-off dream or feels a sense of longing for something that seems out of reach. It is a perfect choice for quiet bedtimes when a child is pondering their place in the vast universe or needs encouragement to stay the course on a long-term goal. The story follows a young boy who falls in love with the moon and spends his life sending it kites, messages, and love, eventually growing up to become an astronaut who finally visits his celestial friend. Jane Yolen's lyrical prose offers a beautiful bridge between the whimsical world of childhood imagination and the concrete reality of scientific achievement. While the book touches on themes of loneliness and patience, its heart is centered on devotion and the fulfillment of a lifelong promise. It is an ideal read for children aged 4 to 8, providing both a comforting emotional experience and a gentle introduction to the historical significance of the moon landing.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles the concept of loneliness in a metaphorical, gentle way. The moon is personified as a lonely entity, which serves as a mirror for the boy's own quiet devotion. There are no traumatic events; the focus is entirely on the passage of time and the persistence of hope. It is secular and deeply hopeful.
An introspective 6-year-old who is obsessed with space but also has a deeply sensitive side. It is perfect for the child who feels things deeply and needs to see that 'growing up' doesn't mean giving up on your childhood wonders.
This book can be read cold. Parents might want to have a photo of the real Apollo 11 moon landing ready to show after the story to connect the fiction to history. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I want to go there,' while looking at the stars, or if a child is struggling with the idea that big goals take a long time to achieve.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the magic of the kites and the personified moon. Older children (7-8) will appreciate the 'life journey' aspect and the transition from play to a professional career in STEM.
Unlike many space books that focus on technical facts, this is a 'heart-first' history book. It frames the space race not as a political contest, but as a long-distance friendship and a personal dream realized.
The story begins with a small boy who notices the moon looks lonely. He sends a kite up to keep it company. As the years pass, he continues this ritual, sending different kites as he grows from a child to a man. Eventually, he studies hard, trains his body, and becomes an astronaut. The story concludes with his arrival on the lunar surface, fulfilling his childhood promise to visit his friend.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.