Kissed by the Moon

by Alison Lester

May you, my baby, sleep softly at night, and when dawn lights the world, may you wake up to birdsong.

Part poem, part lullaby, this gentle story celebrates a baby's wonder at our beautiful world. From much-loved Australian Children's Laureate Alison Lester comes a timeless book to share and to treasure.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Has a son Lachie Hume, who is also a published children's book author.

Reviews

[April (Aprilius Maximus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ F R O M A M E L I E S B O O K S H E L F ~

This is my favourite picture book I've read to Amelie, by far. I love it so much.

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to point what exactly I loved about this book apart from the sense of all pervading calm and serenity. This would be one to read just before bed - no big thoughts, no nightmares, no excitement just love acceptance and a warm drift into peace.

[Cai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lullaby for bedtime!

Alison Lester has done another fantastic job with this beautiful book.

[Candice Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this book wins an award or becomes a classic. I received as a gift on the birth of my daughter and it brought me to tears, it is just so damn beautiful. It reminded me of all of the simple yet wonderful gifts Mother Nature can give. My 2 year son loves it too.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

May you, my Frankie, follow the rivers, wander the mountains and walk in the wild x

[Jasna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite illustrated books so far. There is something very calming in it. It is simple and full of love. And the illustrations are so beautiful and detailed, they capture my little one’s attention. I can see his eyes exploring every bit of the pages while we slowly progress through this lovely lullaby.

[Camille White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope this one wins its category. So beautiful

[Penguin Books Australia]

The following review has been shared by Penguin Random House Australia - publisher of Kissed by the Moon.

'What a magical, perfect picture book. Alison Lester has done it again and this must be her most tender and lyrical. Part poem, part lullaby it celebrates the natural world and a growing baby’s place in it. Her artwork is deceptively simple; clear colours and clean outlines create seemingly ‘flat’ children and animals who are alive and self assured in their inherited natural world. Beaches, farms, bushland, family homes and gardens are all the rightful habitats of Lester’s children and Kissed by the Moon tells the story of a loved baby learning to belong. From the rich, grey-blue endpapers of quiet trees by a night lake, to the gentle, moonlit sleeping babies on the first and last pages and each of the lovingly detailed pictures of the baby’s year throughout, everything is so right. I don’t know how else to express the wonder of it. But I defy anyone to pick up this book and try not to think of a baby to whom it should be given – every baby’s life will be enriched by it.' –READINGS

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This board book is a bedtime benediction for a child from its caregiver.

A caregiver bestows a blessing that is also a lullaby upon a child at bedtime, wishing him/her a good night's sleep and a multitude of future experiences in the natural world.

This would be a great book to include in a nighttime ritual especially for budding eco-babies. Soothing illustrations accompany a tender and loving tone.

[Tegan (Slant Postscripts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this every night before bed to my kid who has just turned 1. It is rhythmic and calming. The sentiments about nature, exploration, and community are simple but powerful - my favourite is "May dogs and cats follow you, love, and watch over you, and may animals all be your friends." And best of all for us, there is no gender specification for the baby which means it really does include our child who has gender neutral pronouns (though my suspicion is that this may have been unintentional)

[Elkaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful picture book from great Children’s author Alison Lester. Once again full of pretty illustrations and a simple, but beautiful narrative. A book one will never get too old to read. Yet, its purpose is for people to come and learn about the wonders one will come to know, as they grow up. Since, its part poem, part lullaby, so one to read to the little ones, before they go to sleep each night.

[Marty Skuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art work and writing is beautiful. It reads like a carefully curated collection of ancient Japanese proverbs and I was stunned when I found out it was an Aussie author. This should be a global phenomenon book, my 2yo daughter adores us. We read her to sleep with it for her first year and now she gives the moon a kiss at the end of it. Amazing book. Brilliantly done

[Brittany Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful children’s book - both the writing and illustrations. It’s on top rotation for my toddler. She is so fascinated by the illustrations. There’s so visually stimulating with bright colours and so much detail.

[Shannon Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully crafted, out door life for children :-)

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle soothing relaxing picture b0ok that will on one level be forgotten in time on another will stay with you in some way, if not the words, or even the images, the vibe of it.

[Alyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book epitomises everything I love about Alison Lester - heartwarming, loving and illustrations that transport you to places of peace and tranquility.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo cute.

[رُقيّـة · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good bedtime book.

[LadyMegan]

My bub loved it.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just beautiful

[Freddie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book is simply divine; one I know I will read again and again. Perfect for bedtime.

[KL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful children’s book

[Lara Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about the beautiful natural beauty of the world. Beautifully written.

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peaceful bedtime book. 🌙

[Rambling Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book full of the most beautiful dreams for your baby.

Quite literally made me cry ❤️

[Kearstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My babe loved this book and I loved reading it to him. It soothed us both. We photocopied it and carried on a week long hike in the high sierras - we were living the dream.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid children's book which would be a lovely bedtime story.

[Cindy O’Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Lester books never disappoint- just beautiful

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely bedtime story. I would love to get this book for Rosie’s home library - so snuggly and cute.

[Lauren Hessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Just a really beautiful book and perfect for little babies.