What animals do you think the boy saw outside the train window?

This is a discussion prompt for The Owl Who Became the Moon: A Cherokee Story by Jonathan London. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think the Cherokee story about the owl and the moon teaches us?

This is a discussion prompt for The Owl Who Became the Moon: A Cherokee Story by Jonathan London. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever been on a train at night? What did you see or hear?

This is a discussion prompt for The Owl Who Became the Moon: A Cherokee Story by Jonathan London. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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The Owl Who Became the Moon: A Cherokee Story

Name: The Owl Who Became the Moon: A Cherokee Story
ISBN: 9780140549607

by Jonathan London

Join a young boy on a late-night train ride as he observes the beauty of nature and the animals of the wilderness through the window.

About This Book

While riding on a train at night, a young boy listens and watches as he passes by many creatures in their wilderness homes.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Empathy & Kindness Love & Family Joy & Gratitude Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up Animals Trains Fairy Tales & Mythology

Wonderlit Review

This picture book offers a serene and contemplative reading experience, perfect for a quiet moment or bedtime. The narrative centers on a young boy traveling by train at night, observing the hidden world of nocturnal animals in the wilderness. Woven into this contemporary setting is a traditional Cherokee story, likely shared with the boy, about an owl and its connection to the moon. The book gently handles themes of nature appreciation, cultural heritage, and the wonder of the unseen world. The emotional arc is consistently gentle and soothing, fostering a sense of peace and curiosity. This book is ideal for children aged 4-8 who enjoy nature stories, trains, or are being introduced to Indigenous cultures. A parent might reach for this book when their child is curious about night animals, looking for a calming story, or seeking books that offer cultural representation. Parents should be prepared to discuss the animals seen and the meaning of the Cherokee story, which is presented respectfully and naturally within the narrative. Younger children will enjoy the train and animal elements, while older children can engage more deeply with the cultural story and its implied wisdom. Its unique blend of a modern setting with an ancient tale sets it apart from other nature or folktale books.