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A Kite for Moon

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A Kite for Moon, written by New York Times bestselling author of How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, tells a heartfelt story about a young boy's fascination and unlikely friendship with the moon. With whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan, the story begins when the little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, even writing notes to Moon promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years and years of studying, learning, and training to be an astronaut! Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, and a perfect children's book to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United States moon landing, the cover of this book will captivate readers with eye-catching spot UV, foil, and embossing.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2019

21 people are currently reading
491 people want to read

About the author

Jane Yolen

972 books3,238 followers
Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

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5 stars
279 (38%)
4 stars
285 (39%)
3 stars
141 (19%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Calista.
5,434 reviews31.3k followers
December 3, 2019
The artwork in this book has so much energy and idealism. It’s about a young boy flying a kite and wanting to give the moon a hug. He says, one day he’ll come visit. There is nothing real concrete here accept the will and determination to get to the moon. We don’t know the boy’s name and we might infer that it’s Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin or maybe a random somebody who goes to the moon.

I adore this book.

The nephew thought the book was alright. He wasn’t crazy about it, but I told him it takes lots of robots to get to the moon (sort of true) and that made the story cooler for him. He thought it would be a good thing to visit the moon. He gave this 3 stars.
Profile Image for Kimberly Dawn.
163 reviews
April 12, 2019
One tousle-haired small boy. One full moon on the ocean. Add a colorful kite or two, the small boy’s imagination, kindness, passion and promise. Watch him grow to realize his dream.

This swoon-worthy picture book realistically imagines an early boyhood fascination with the moon that astronaut Neil Armstrong very well may have experienced, a passion that probably grew alongside him as he grew up, resulting in his career as an astronaut.

The story is communicated beautifully through both the sweet, spare text and the absolutely gorgeous illustrations by
award-winning artist Matt Phelan.

A Kite for Moon is dedicated to Neil Armstrong, as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of America’s moon landing. A wonderful, inspiring gift for a child. This is the stuff dreams are made of.
Profile Image for Almira.
672 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2019
Very simple story for young children about Neil Armstrong. As this is the 50th anniversary of Neil's landing and being the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon.
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,259 reviews3,568 followers
October 25, 2020
A Kite for Moon starts off fine, but I expected more of an emotional punch. Moon is lonely as she looks down at Earth. A little boy notices that she's sad and sends kites up to her to cheer her up. As he grows, he studies science and eventually becomes an astronaut so that he can actually pay Moon a visit.

The illustrations are cute, but the story is very sparse. It would work in a classroom as an introduction to a unit on the space program. However, as a book for pure reading enjoyment, it falls a little flat.

Kids who are really interested in space will likely be underwhelmed by this. Find them a good non-fiction book instead.
3,188 reviews18 followers
April 12, 2019
This was a really lovely book. I'm looking forward to using this in storytime and making small paper kites (not workable) as a craft.
Profile Image for Victoria.
198 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2019
Cute story about the possible childhood inspiration of the future astronaut, Neil Armstrong. But he didn't grow up by the sea; he grew up in the heartland of rural west-central Ohio. Or isn't that cool enough...?
Profile Image for Carrie Charley Brown.
307 reviews309 followers
November 17, 2019
A lyrical delight from text to illustration. The unique parallel perspectives of the moon and the boy admirer converge at the end, inspiring children to follow their dreams.
Profile Image for Kaethe.
6,572 reviews531 followers
September 26, 2021
Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.

It's not real clear to me how much kids grasp of the whole growing up thing, but I like the time span here and I love Phelan's art. The simplicity of both story and art works very well together.

Library copy
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,942 reviews1,436 followers
January 1, 2022
A sweet little picture book with perfectly paired pictures and story. There’s a poetry in the word choices and it would be perfect for a read-along or a bedtime story.
Profile Image for Shelle Perry.
486 reviews32 followers
June 16, 2019
It is only fitting to start off a celebration of the lunar landing anniversary with an homage to Neil Armstrong. A Kite For The Moon is an imagining of Armstrong’s childhood and love for the moon that helped him reach great heights.

On an early morning, the moon is shining in the sky feeling a bit lonely and sorry for herself. A small boy wants to make her feel better and so he sends her a note flying high on his kite that he will come to visit someday. The moon watches over the boy as he grows and learns until one day he takes off in a rocket ship to fulfill his promise.

The artwork is lovely, muted earth tones full of movement and expression capturing the growing relationship between the boy and the moon beautifully.

This book is a wonderful way to jump-start a conversation about the lunar landing, the moon, or just working to achieve a goal.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books653 followers
May 9, 2019
A KITE FOR MOON is a cute children's book commemorating the first steps on the moon. The storytellers humanize the moon, making Neil Armstrong the moon's only friend and sending kites to the lonely moon. I didn't like that aspect of the book, but I did like how it mentioned how Neil Armstrong studied to become an astronaut and worked for his goal.

My dad made the maps of the moon and picked out the landing places for this first trip so I have a special connection to this event.

If you are looking for a cute children's book, consider A KITE FOR MOON.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MaryLibrarianOH.
1,965 reviews26 followers
June 20, 2019
A little boy makes a promise to visit the lonely moon one day - and he does. Inspiration for young space minded kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
418 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2019
“So he wrote on his kite, promising to come some day for a visit.
Then he let go of his kite, sending it up, up, up for Moon,” writes Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple in their children’s book, A Kite for Moon.

~ What ~
At thirty-two pages, this oversized hardbound with a jacket cover targets children ages four to eight years old who enjoy stories about the moon. With no scary scenes, it is dedicated to Neil Armstrong, paying homage to the fiftieth anniversary of his moon landing. Including some complicated wording, it would be best read out loud to beginner readers.

After ownership and dedication pages, broad pen and ink with colored illustrations cover the full pages with a short tale of a young boy flying a kite who thinks the Moon is sad so promises to visit it. As he grows up and learns all about traveling in outer space, he accomplishes his goal years later by landing on the Moon.

~Why ~
This is a charming story that promotes having a goal and achieving it over time. I appreciated that it showed how it takes time and perseverance to get what you want. The boy is sensitive by considering the Moon is sad and wanting to comfort it like his mother does by giving it a hug.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories about the moon may not enjoy this book. Beginner readers may find the two- and three-syllable words hard to pronounce.

~ Wish ~
While I found the story engaging, I wish the illustrations were a little more eye-catching and detailed to hold the interest of little ones.

~ Want ~
If you have a son or daughter who loves outer space, science, and the moon, this is a thoughtful story that also promotes having a challenge and accomplishing a task.

Thanks to the Z Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
Profile Image for Eryka.
Author 1 book30 followers
June 4, 2021
Outstanding book about goal setting, diligence, and determination. My kids loved it!
Profile Image for Sarah Nelson.
Author 10 books14 followers
May 13, 2020
Lovely, lyrical, and lulling. A tribute to Neil Armstrong and following dreams, featuring a boy who so loves the moon that he flies kites for her, studies, and works . . . and grows up to visit her. Perfect even for very little readers.
Profile Image for Mary.
462 reviews
July 2, 2019
Do you love Owl Moon? Do you have kids who love all things space? Are you trying to teach your children about the first man on the moon as we approach the 50th anniversary of that momentous accomplishment? Or maybe you remember exactly where you were on that magical day? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then be sure to get your hands on A Kite for Moon before July 20, 2019!
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Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, A Kite for Moon tells the story of a young boy who notices that Moon seems sad. Wanting to do something to help, the boy writes a note on a kite that he lets go in the sky, promising Moon that he will come some day for a visit… He puts in hard work and time to make his dream come true, and we celebrate together the boy finally keeping his promise and visiting the moon.
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Though the storyline may seem simple, Yolen, Stemple, and Phelan have created layers that make this a delight to read over and over again. Yes, it’s a story about a dream of going to the moon, but it’s so much more. We get age-appropriate introductions to moon phases, rockets and satellites, and the science needed to travel safely to the moon. A Kite for Moon is a touching story of friendship and promises made, of the importance of perseverance and hard work. Written in the beautiful, lyrical form we expect from Yolen and illustrated with soft, tender pen and ink paintings, this is a must-read this summer.
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But heed this warning— while I am not a crier, I have heard from many book-loving friends that this brought tears to their eyes. Your kids will love the friendship story and the adventure of going to the moon, and you’ll love that it deeply touches your heart!

Thank you @zonderkidz for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my honest thoughts on this book.
Profile Image for Carol  V.
606 reviews20 followers
October 30, 2019
Inspirational! Challenging!
Little readers will marvel at how one little boy loved the moon and dreamed of going there someday. This book is dedicated to Neil Armstrong and so it seems to be a simple biography of his life for young children to understand. Little boys and little girls will want to send their own kites dreaming of what in the world they might become someday upon reading this beautiful story! The illustrations are warm, with a pleasing contrast of colors.
Profile Image for Bonnie (A Backwards Story).
420 reviews222 followers
Read
September 7, 2019
(Bonus Video Vlog that shows you the book's imagery and story on YouTube!)

Today (July 20, 2019) marks the 50th anniversary of NASA and Apollo 11 landing on the moon for the very first time, so it felt like the perfect day to share my review of one of my favorite discoveries at this year's Book Expo Convention, A KITE FOR MOON by Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi E.Y. Stemple, with illustrations by Matt Phelan. The book is dedicated to Neil Armstrong and the first moon landing, which makes it even more perfect!

The moon and stars have always fascinated me and I was always intrigued by astronomy. So many kids want to be an astronaut when they're little, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to keep that dream alive. A KITE FOR MOON revolves around a boy's relationship with the moon, and all that he does in order to grow up and become an astronaut.

Elements of this book reminded me of the beloved story THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein, where the boy makes a promise to the lonely moon, and she watches him grow up from afar. When I turned the final page of this book, I immediately turned to my conference roommates at our hotel and made them read this as well because the story had an emotional impact and I had to talk about it with someone else. I'm sincerely hoping it gets recognized next January during Awards Season.

The illustrations are lovely and beautiful to look at as well. Phelan was very thoughtful when adding subtle elements into the artwork, such as a kite on the beach the looks like a conch shell! I love when the illustrations are as powerful as the story, because it keeps me more engaged, and I'm likelier to re-read and recommend the tale, especially if it also keeps the kids intrigued!

This picture book is a perfect story to read for fun or to pull out at story time. It is a great accompaniment to a lesson plan about the moon or NASA or astronauts, or even a lesson about working hard and following your dream.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,217 reviews40 followers
May 17, 2019
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.



About the Book:

A Kite for Moon, written by New York Times bestselling author of How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, tells a heartfelt story about a young boy's fascination and unlikely friendship with the moon. With whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan, the story begins when the little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, even writing notes to Moon promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years and years of studying, learning, and training to be an astronaut! Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, and a perfect children's book to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United States moon landing, the cover of this book will captivate readers with eye-catching spot UV, foil, and embossing.


My Review:

We always here about the man in the moon. What if it were really true? A Kite for Moon, takes us on a journey with the main character of the book who believes the moon looks really sad. This little boy decides he is going to change that by developing a friendship with the moon.


The sweet little imagination of this precious little boy leads him on an adventure that changes his life. Eventually, his life revolves around further study of the moon and he becomes an astronaut.


I loved the beautiful illustrations in the book as well as the literary prose of the authors. It is a precious book that will soon become a classic. It is great as a read aloud or as a go along for study of space and the moon.
Profile Image for Laura  Lane.
391 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2019
My thoughts:

This is a classy book. I read it with my 17 and 21 year old daughters who know Momma's love for beautifully illustrated picture books. They both agreed that this one is a keeper. It will go with my other picture books until someday I have grandlittles to read to.

One of my daughters suggested that this would book would segue into a discussion or teaching about Neil Armstrong. In that case, it might even be useful for a homeschool or classroom teacher beyond the recommended ages of 4 to 8. It's a book that I think will be good for kids who are dreaming about the future just as the young lad in the book did for years.

I like that it encourages study and learning as well as dreaming and play.

This would be good for libraries, too.

It's not really a cuddle up and read sort of book for little bitty ones, but a nice early reader type book to read aloud to your just a bit older children.

Be blessed, and read read read to your children!
Laura

Disclosure: I was sent a sample of this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own based on my experience with this product. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Profile Image for Susan.
581 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2019
This sweet book tells the story of a little boy who loves the moon. He sensed Moon was sad and lonely one morning, because all the stars had gone to bed and Moon was by himself. He tried to hug Moon, because that’s what makes him feel better when he is sad, but Moon was too far away. The little boy sent kite after kite up to the moon with notes promising he would visit one day. Many years went by, the little boy grew up and the moon watched. Until one day the little boy, who was now a man, finally walked on Moon, fulfilling his promise from long ago to visit Moon and keep him company.

I loved the gentle illustrations which help us to imagine the moon’s story and the little boy’s concern for his friend, Moon. The soft, dusty colors fill every page. I especially loved the little boy’s expressions of concern and determination.

This picture book is one you’ll one to share with your little one as you curl up together. It’s available now.
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,039 reviews219 followers
February 16, 2020
A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Matt Phelan, PICTURE BOOK Zonderkidz, 2019. $18. 9780310756422

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When a little boy is flying his kite on the beach, he notices the moon - who is feeling sad, and tries to hug it, eventually writing a note to the moon on his kite and releasing it. Over the years, the boy studies hard, eventually training to be an astronaut and gets to land on the moon.

Another great story by Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi E.Y. Stemple. There are a lot of "moon" books this year because of the anniversary of the moon landing - this one is dedicated to Neil Armstrong, but not, I believe about him. It shows how through perseverance and over time, you can work hard to obtain your dreams - even if it is something as unique as visiting the moon.

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Lauren- The Smile Lines.
143 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2019
Thanks to @zonderkidz for sharing a review copy of A Kite for Moon with @kidlitexchange
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A Kite for Moon by #janeyolen and @heidieys is a sweet story. We have read it several times already!
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A young boy talks to Moon each day thinking that Moon is lonely. He sends her kites with messages promising to one day come to visit. .
The illustrations by @mattphelandraws are great!! They allow the reader to see the boy grow up. I definitely got choked up!
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The book is dedicated to Neil Armstrong. It would be a great intro to a solar system or moon study. You will be hooked when you see the cover! I LOVE the little girl looking up at the end of the book. Swipe to see. Just adorable! .
Profile Image for Linda .
4,201 reviews52 followers
May 6, 2019
It's hard to resist a new moon book, especially by Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple and illustrated by Matt Phelan. This beautifully crafted story of a boy in love with the moon and sorry it could be sad sends his kite with a note. He promises to come some day for a visit. Matt Phelan's illustrations with inked outlining focus on the important moments, the boy writing the note, the kite's tail floating up, the moon watching the boy at his desk, learning. It's a beautiful book for this, the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and dedicated to Neil Armstrong.
Profile Image for Jana.
2,601 reviews47 followers
April 27, 2019
With lovely lyrical text and beautiful artwork, this book tells the story of a young boy who loved the moon. He spent his time writing poems on kites, studying, and dreaming. One day this boy became an astronaut and the first man to set foot on the moon. This book is dedicated to Neil Armstrong, fifty years after his amazing journey. This might be a good way to introduce young readers to this important historical figure.
Profile Image for Great Books.
3,034 reviews60 followers
May 7, 2019
What a great way to introduce a child to the astronaut for whom this book is dedicated to, Neil Armstrong. This book beautifully tells the story through the eyes of a boy who was fascinated by the moon. The illustrations also point out through the eyes of a young boy how he followed his interests until one day, (fifty years ago) the boy had grown up and became an astronaut who flew up in a rocket and was the first to land on the moon.

Reviewer 1
Profile Image for Mary.
1,719 reviews18 followers
May 8, 2019
A little boy imagines that the moon is lonely, and sends a kite into the sky with a promise to come visit some day. He grows up to become an astronaut who actually does visit the moon. This tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing is poetic and beautifully illustrated, but completely fictitious. It could be a launching point for more investigation of the actual historical event--which will reveal that Neil Armstrong did not live near the sea, but in Ohio.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews

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