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Swimming to the Moon
'Just call me Bee. Please, please call me that. If you call me Beatrix Daffodil Tulip Chrysanthemum Rose Edwards I shan't answer you. I am not being rude or unfriendly, or insolent as Mrs Dixon my teacher calls me. I just don't like my name. Well, would you?'
Bee stumbles through life in her stripy socks with her head in the clouds, doing her very best to keep out of the way of her bickering parents and avoid the bendy tap dancing freak Crystal Kelly - who makes her life a misery. But when Crystal double-dares her to volunteer for a sponsored swim in honour of her great grandmother Beatrix's memory, Bee can't back down. Even though she is terrified of water and cannot swim!
Then new boy Moon-Star gallops to Bee's rescue on his horse and takes her to meet Old Alice, who lives in a beautiful painted wagon. As Bee enters this new world, her life is changed for ever.
Finally she has an ally. Down by the promise tree the new friends make a pact - Moon Star will teach Bee to swim if Bee will teach him to read. They spit on their hands and shake on their vow and a beautiful friendship begins.
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2025
7 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 17, 2016
I love Jane Elson’s writing, so when I had the opportunity to read her latest book I jumped at the chance. I find Jane Elson’s books to be incredibly heart-warming and her latest, Swimming To The Moon, is no exception.
Swimming To The Moon follows Bee who has just lost her great-gran, Beatrix. Bee was incredibly close to her great-gran and struggles to come to terms with her loss. Bee promised her great-gran that she would learn to swim. One day, when a new boy Moon Star rescues her from a group of kids being unkind to her it changes Bee’s life. Bee gets to know Moon Star and his grandmother Old Alice who are travellers. She discovers that Moon Star can not read or read. Moon Star and Bee make a pact. They promise that Moon Star will help Bee learn to swim if she teaches him to read.
I thought this story was absolutely adorable. It was honest in the way it didn’t give its main characters a perfect family. Bee’s Dad wasn’t the most supportive and he infuriated me. He argued with Bee’s mum. She certainly didn’t come from a perfect family which is bound to be relatable to so many readers. Moon Star also didn’t have the ‘perfect’ family even though his rather eccentric grandmother did really care for him. Both characters are so lovable and easy to love as we watch them grow.
I love Jane Elson’s stories. They’re magical, fun and heart-warming at the same time. I always finish a Jane Elson book with a smile on my face. I highly recommend her books.
Swimming To The Moon follows Bee who has just lost her great-gran, Beatrix. Bee was incredibly close to her great-gran and struggles to come to terms with her loss. Bee promised her great-gran that she would learn to swim. One day, when a new boy Moon Star rescues her from a group of kids being unkind to her it changes Bee’s life. Bee gets to know Moon Star and his grandmother Old Alice who are travellers. She discovers that Moon Star can not read or read. Moon Star and Bee make a pact. They promise that Moon Star will help Bee learn to swim if she teaches him to read.
I thought this story was absolutely adorable. It was honest in the way it didn’t give its main characters a perfect family. Bee’s Dad wasn’t the most supportive and he infuriated me. He argued with Bee’s mum. She certainly didn’t come from a perfect family which is bound to be relatable to so many readers. Moon Star also didn’t have the ‘perfect’ family even though his rather eccentric grandmother did really care for him. Both characters are so lovable and easy to love as we watch them grow.
I love Jane Elson’s stories. They’re magical, fun and heart-warming at the same time. I always finish a Jane Elson book with a smile on my face. I highly recommend her books.
October 28, 2024
Read this book twice now and can’t remember if I cried at the ending the first time, but I did this time😭
April 15, 2024
Swimming To The Moon by Jane Elson is a beautiful contemporary novel for ages ten years and over. It is a book that will warm your heart whatever your age.
This is a book that celebrates friendship and differences. We follow lead characters eleven year old Bee and Moon-Star. Both are united by their kind hearts and their ability to empathise with each other.
We all have different gifts. If we see someone struggling and we can help them, we should do so. As we enter the world of year six in primary school, the reader is horrified by the cruelty of the bullies. They continually make fun of those who are different.
Bee is a dear soul who loves bees, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. She is unique. She is also forgetful and suffers with asthma, which is described as an elephant sitting on her chest. She is also grieving from the loss of the one person who truly understood her, Great Grandma Beatrix. “Great-Gran Beatrix said I can do anything I set my mind to.” Though gone in body, her love remains and it is beautiful to see. Great-Gran Beatrix lives on in the heart of Bee. Every child needs a Great-Gran Beatrix in their lives.
The other lead character, Moon-Star is the grandson of a traveler. He cannot read or write but has other skills such as bee keeping, bare horseback riding and swimming. Like the bees, he needs to be free to roam but society tries to cage him with convention.
Bee is remarkably perceptive. She sees just how brave Moon-Star is. “I wish Mrs Partridge would realise just how brave Moon-Star is, just for sitting behind a desk.” It is clear to Bee that their teacher expects nothing from Moon-Star which is really sad. Every child has gifts which should be encouraged so that they can bud and blossom into the person they were meant to be. “It’s like she [Mrs Partridge] doesn’t expect anything of him, like she’s given up.”
We witness the love of grandmothers – one living, one from beyond the grave – the encouragement and the self-belief they bestow on their grandchildren is beautiful to see.
There is persecution of the travelers by the mayor and his cronies. A near tragedy finally opens his eyes to the fact that every person matters.
Moon-Star’s grandmother is at one with nature. She can literally charm the bees and she has many natural remedies, including those that will help Bee with her asthma.
I absolutely adored Swimming To The Moon. It is a beautiful book about two beautiful souls who help and encourage each other. They celebrate their differences as they learn from each other. They give each other the space to soar.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“It takes more courage to attempt the things we can’t do, than to achieve the things we can.”
This is a book that celebrates friendship and differences. We follow lead characters eleven year old Bee and Moon-Star. Both are united by their kind hearts and their ability to empathise with each other.
We all have different gifts. If we see someone struggling and we can help them, we should do so. As we enter the world of year six in primary school, the reader is horrified by the cruelty of the bullies. They continually make fun of those who are different.
Bee is a dear soul who loves bees, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. She is unique. She is also forgetful and suffers with asthma, which is described as an elephant sitting on her chest. She is also grieving from the loss of the one person who truly understood her, Great Grandma Beatrix. “Great-Gran Beatrix said I can do anything I set my mind to.” Though gone in body, her love remains and it is beautiful to see. Great-Gran Beatrix lives on in the heart of Bee. Every child needs a Great-Gran Beatrix in their lives.
The other lead character, Moon-Star is the grandson of a traveler. He cannot read or write but has other skills such as bee keeping, bare horseback riding and swimming. Like the bees, he needs to be free to roam but society tries to cage him with convention.
Bee is remarkably perceptive. She sees just how brave Moon-Star is. “I wish Mrs Partridge would realise just how brave Moon-Star is, just for sitting behind a desk.” It is clear to Bee that their teacher expects nothing from Moon-Star which is really sad. Every child has gifts which should be encouraged so that they can bud and blossom into the person they were meant to be. “It’s like she [Mrs Partridge] doesn’t expect anything of him, like she’s given up.”
We witness the love of grandmothers – one living, one from beyond the grave – the encouragement and the self-belief they bestow on their grandchildren is beautiful to see.
There is persecution of the travelers by the mayor and his cronies. A near tragedy finally opens his eyes to the fact that every person matters.
Moon-Star’s grandmother is at one with nature. She can literally charm the bees and she has many natural remedies, including those that will help Bee with her asthma.
I absolutely adored Swimming To The Moon. It is a beautiful book about two beautiful souls who help and encourage each other. They celebrate their differences as they learn from each other. They give each other the space to soar.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“It takes more courage to attempt the things we can’t do, than to achieve the things we can.”
February 12, 2020
I set out quite sure that I was not going to like this book. What a surprise!
It is aimed at a very young audience. Even so, it deals with a lot of issues. Rejection from a parent, bullying at school, financial disparities in the classroom, deeply ingrained fears, the loss of a loved one. Yet it deals with all of these so tenderly and kindly.
The characters in children's books are sometimes very one dimensional, but this is not the case here. The main character especially is quite deep. She also spends time examining her emotions, which is a skill most children should learn.
The single biggest theme, in my opinion, is perseverance in spite of obstacles. The main character overcomes various obstacles to reach her goals, and so do many of the minor characters.
It is aimed at a very young audience. Even so, it deals with a lot of issues. Rejection from a parent, bullying at school, financial disparities in the classroom, deeply ingrained fears, the loss of a loved one. Yet it deals with all of these so tenderly and kindly.
The characters in children's books are sometimes very one dimensional, but this is not the case here. The main character especially is quite deep. She also spends time examining her emotions, which is a skill most children should learn.
The single biggest theme, in my opinion, is perseverance in spite of obstacles. The main character overcomes various obstacles to reach her goals, and so do many of the minor characters.
April 13, 2025
I think listening to the audiobook exacerbated this but I found most of the characters irritating. There were a lot of not very nice people and a lot of characters who shrieked more than they talked. I also found the dynamic between Bee and Moon-Star uncomfortable when she referred to him as her soulmate. I am pretty sure she said she was in Year 6 so she is only 10 or 11.
The story had a nice message about helping others and seeing the good in them. But it was quite predictable and not very believable.
The story had a nice message about helping others and seeing the good in them. But it was quite predictable and not very believable.
Read
February 14, 2022DNF so not given a star rating.
This one just didn’t hold my attention I’m afraid. I did try, read the first 4 chapters but for some reason I didn’t engage with the main character. The long name thing put me off a bit I mean who is named after a bouquet of garage apology flowers? And Great GrandmBeatrice is a big mouthful and then there was Moonstar … I kind of lost it by then. Sorry.
This one just didn’t hold my attention I’m afraid. I did try, read the first 4 chapters but for some reason I didn’t engage with the main character. The long name thing put me off a bit I mean who is named after a bouquet of garage apology flowers? And Great GrandmBeatrice is a big mouthful and then there was Moonstar … I kind of lost it by then. Sorry.
March 28, 2018
This book is my favourite book. I love this book so much I'm going to love it until I die.
May 27, 2020
Read this to my 11yo daughter at bedtime. It's cheesy but sweet. Touches lightly on some heavy themes but didn't prompt any particularly deep conversations. She liked it. We had a couple good laughs.
March 26, 2021
Fav book ever!
I really enjoyed this book because it is about my two favourite thing horses and over coming your fears.Everything I would want in a book is there.
I really enjoyed this book because it is about my two favourite thing horses and over coming your fears.Everything I would want in a book is there.
September 28, 2021
Loved this.
x-new
September 29, 2021not in evergreen either
August 20, 2024
Such a great novel about facing your fears, friend lent me this, then I later bought a copy of my own to read anytime I want
January 8, 2026
This book is th reason I love bees
March 17, 2019
Truly an amazing book. I feel I related to Bee on so many levels... Made me feel more comfortable being myself. Anyway, all Wonderful characters I find myself attached to and a storyline so very heartwarming and a friendship I want to work to attain for myself. I will read this again ^_^
April 16, 2021
a sweet heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship and a truthful promise.
November 28, 2024
I love the friendship between the characters and I found it very interesting I finished it in like 2 days lol and I think it's one of my fav books
July 15, 2016
Received from NetGalley for review.
‘They try to imprison us but they have failed – we are free spirits. Come, shake out your pretty red hair in the moonlight.’
Swimming to the Moon is so delightful and charming it made my teeth hurt, but I loved every second of it. It’s a wonderful middle grade novel, full of sweetness, friendship, and bravery, whilst also dealing with bigger issues such as death, grief, and finding your place in a world that doesn’t think you should be yourself. It is an absolutely perfect book for younger readers, but I know that many others will enjoy it regardless of age – I know I did.
The book is told from Bee’s perspective – she’s in Year 6, obsessed with Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, and has a fantastic sense of self thanks to her Great-Gran Beatrix who has sadly died when the novel begins. I love how well Elson has captured Bee’s narrative voice, it’s sometimes silly but always true, just like Bee herself who is so klutzy and kooky I couldn’t help but immediately fall in love with her. She doesn’t have the easiest of times – her dad is not the nicest and he always argues with her mum and puts Bee down, and there’s the usual girl politics going on courtesy of mean bully Chrystal Saffron Kelly – but she always remains true to herself with the dazzling style Great-Gran always told her she has.
The plot itself is very sweet and revolves around the ideas of friendship and bravery. A new boy, Moon-Star, starts at Bee’s school and they make a traveller pact – Bee will teach Moon-Star to read and write and he will help her learn to swim for an upcoming sponsored swim for the care home her Great-Gran lived and died in. Both have to overcome their fears – Moon-Star is a true gypsy child who travelled around with his free-spirited mother until Social Services got involved, and Bee has been terrified of water ever since she nearly drowned as a toddler. The friendship between Bee and Moon-Star was so lovely to read as it was pure love and acceptance between two children, without judgement – they accept each other completely and both learn from each other.
The more serious issue of death and grief, with Bee’s Great-Gran, and tolerance and acceptance, with Moon-Star’s Gran Old Alice are also addressed within the novel, in a very sensitive way. Bee’s sadness over her Great-Gran’s death is obvious throughout the novel but is portrayed in a way that shows how you must get on with life, remembering those you have lost with love and happiness – Bee finds courage and inspiration from her Great-Gran’s spirit throughout the novel, and pushes herself to be better because of her. Moon-Star’s Gran lives in an old-school wagon in the village and the way she and Moon-Star are treated is also handled exceptionally well; the Mayor gets it into his stupid head (he’s Chrystal’s dad, obviously) that they aren’t welcome and should be moved on but they won’t go without a fight. Both instances take incredible courage, something that Bee and Moon-Star have plenty of.
There is so much magic, nature, and whimsy throughout the novel that I can’t imagine anyone not liking it – it speaks to the child in everyone, the lover of nature, and believer of magic. Highly recommended for recapturing childhood magic and for children everywhere.
‘They try to imprison us but they have failed – we are free spirits. Come, shake out your pretty red hair in the moonlight.’
Swimming to the Moon is so delightful and charming it made my teeth hurt, but I loved every second of it. It’s a wonderful middle grade novel, full of sweetness, friendship, and bravery, whilst also dealing with bigger issues such as death, grief, and finding your place in a world that doesn’t think you should be yourself. It is an absolutely perfect book for younger readers, but I know that many others will enjoy it regardless of age – I know I did.
The book is told from Bee’s perspective – she’s in Year 6, obsessed with Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, and has a fantastic sense of self thanks to her Great-Gran Beatrix who has sadly died when the novel begins. I love how well Elson has captured Bee’s narrative voice, it’s sometimes silly but always true, just like Bee herself who is so klutzy and kooky I couldn’t help but immediately fall in love with her. She doesn’t have the easiest of times – her dad is not the nicest and he always argues with her mum and puts Bee down, and there’s the usual girl politics going on courtesy of mean bully Chrystal Saffron Kelly – but she always remains true to herself with the dazzling style Great-Gran always told her she has.
The plot itself is very sweet and revolves around the ideas of friendship and bravery. A new boy, Moon-Star, starts at Bee’s school and they make a traveller pact – Bee will teach Moon-Star to read and write and he will help her learn to swim for an upcoming sponsored swim for the care home her Great-Gran lived and died in. Both have to overcome their fears – Moon-Star is a true gypsy child who travelled around with his free-spirited mother until Social Services got involved, and Bee has been terrified of water ever since she nearly drowned as a toddler. The friendship between Bee and Moon-Star was so lovely to read as it was pure love and acceptance between two children, without judgement – they accept each other completely and both learn from each other.
The more serious issue of death and grief, with Bee’s Great-Gran, and tolerance and acceptance, with Moon-Star’s Gran Old Alice are also addressed within the novel, in a very sensitive way. Bee’s sadness over her Great-Gran’s death is obvious throughout the novel but is portrayed in a way that shows how you must get on with life, remembering those you have lost with love and happiness – Bee finds courage and inspiration from her Great-Gran’s spirit throughout the novel, and pushes herself to be better because of her. Moon-Star’s Gran lives in an old-school wagon in the village and the way she and Moon-Star are treated is also handled exceptionally well; the Mayor gets it into his stupid head (he’s Chrystal’s dad, obviously) that they aren’t welcome and should be moved on but they won’t go without a fight. Both instances take incredible courage, something that Bee and Moon-Star have plenty of.
There is so much magic, nature, and whimsy throughout the novel that I can’t imagine anyone not liking it – it speaks to the child in everyone, the lover of nature, and believer of magic. Highly recommended for recapturing childhood magic and for children everywhere.
June 26, 2024
my entire childhood
gave it a reread and its absolutely beautiful
theyre destined fr
gave it a reread and its absolutely beautiful
theyre destined fr
April 23, 2018
loved this book is so sweet and I adore Elson's writing
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews