The Chickadees and the Moon Above

by Sara Simon

Mother Chickadee loves her chicks very much. She knows that they will grow up and one day leave the nest. Her heart's desire is that they become the best chickadees that they can be and find their place in the world. She tells them that no matter where they go, Chickadee Tree will always also be home. Wherever they roam, when they look up at the moon and think of her, she assures them that she'll be looking at the same moon and thinking of them, too. A beautifully illustrated and endearing tale that will capture the hearts of mothers and children of all ages. In addition to delighting young children, The Chickadees and the Moon Above is also perfect for new mothers, empty nesters, and little birdies who are leaving the nest. It promises to become the go-to Mother's Day and graduation gift, as well a lovely baby shower present and an Easter basket treat.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. This book was a cute sweet story, and I loved it so much. I liked the pictures, and the pictures are like water coloring pictures. The message in this book was so great. This book is all about a mother chickadees teaches her kids that she will always loved them no matter where they are. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (CrissCross AppleSauce) or author (Sara Simon) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Mel (Epic Reading)]

The watercolours in this children's book make it worthwhile even if the type setting is less than ideal. For the art alone I would buy this book.
Our story is simple and cute. Here we meet a mother and her baby chickadees. As the babies grow up and move away she tells them to look at the moon, as she will be too, and they will all be sharing the same moon each night. A nice little truth that applies to anyone, anywhere in the world. The simplicity of it is likely to be understood by even a toddler; and it may have them looking for the moon in the sky at any given time (maybe in their life if the book makes a big enough impression). I also liked the inclusion of at least one chickadee that doesn't go on to marry and have more little chickadees. As a childless woman this little nod is quite important to me. I believe it's important that children know they have options in their lives and it doesn't have to be marriage and babies for everyone.
Let's talk about the biggest flaw of this book, and maybe no one else will really care but it stood out like a sore thumb to me. The typesetting. This book uses a nice serif font that is easy to read and would be good for kids who are learning to read. Except for one huge change. A white glow effect has been put on the black text. Now I know that it's because on the watercolours they were probably having trouble with readability. But a glow? What is this the 1980's? And what about the science that fonts with glows around them are distracting and hard to read. It completely removes this children's book from a level 1 or 2 reader's possible repertoire which I find very disappointing. Additionally it adds a lot of noise to the beautiful watercolour pages. I have to say, personally, shame on the illustrator, author, publisher, etc. for thinking this was a good 'solution' to their legibility concerns. I can think of half a dozen better ways to deal with legibility than to junk up the page with 'glowing' text. Now again, I realize most people won't care or maybe even notice; but as a past Art Director/Graphic Designer I just can't get over it. Good thing the watercolours are so pretty. They almost distract enough from this faux pas.
Overall this is a cute little story that would be perfect for anyone whose parent(s) or guardian live far away, or travel for work.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Bonnie DeMoss]

This is a sweet children's book about a mother Chickadee and her three chicks. The message is simply a mother's love, and how your mother will always love you no matter where you are.

The illustrations are well done watercolors. I especially enjoyed the ones of the night sky.

I received a free copy of this book via City of Light publishing. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

[Melissa]

Beautifully illustrated by the author, the watercolor pages lovingly tell how a mother chickadee and her children feel for each other as they grow older and move on through the seasons. Perfect easy reader with repetition.

[Mortisha Cassavetes]

What a beautifully illustrated sweet story about a mother chickadee and her lesson to know that once they are older and fly away to always look up to the moon and know that she will be looking at the same moon and thinking of them. Such a wonderful bedtime book. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.

[Jan]

A softly beautiful and well illustrated story that shows what every mother wants her children to know--that while she will always love them, she must let them go to be who they are meant to be.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Independent Publishers Group/CrissCross AppleSauce via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Monica]

A beautiful children’s book about a mother chickadee who watches her children grow up. Even though the chicks have left their mother's nest, they remember what she told them and gaze at the moon at night, reassured that she is gazing at it too. The illustrations are soft, whimsical and lend an ethereal quality to the author’s words. A perfect book for Mother’s Day. The only fault I can find with it is that perhaps it ended too abruptly. I would have loved to have seen her children return to their mother with young ones, to show a continuity of life and that Mother’s beliefs are influencing the next generation.

[Hal]

arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

This was absolutely precious and I loved every single page.

The watercolour style art kept my attention and had this almost calm and peaceful quality to it. I think this sweet little story about Mother Chickadee and her three babies will be an excellent story to read to kids before bed.

I loved this and I think kids and parents alike will love it too!!

5/5 ⭐️

[Nickie Whitney]

Moms/Dads/Grandparents/Teachers/Humans everywhere – if you haven’t ordered this book yet, I encourage you to take a moment to do so. This is a book that needs to be in every daycare and elementary school and in every household with children, no joke. It’s incredibly impactful in supporting separation anxiety (for both kiddos and parents!). Those who truly know my kids know how each uniquely struggles with this. We’ve tried many books over the years (another favorite is The Invisible String if you are really looking build up your library), but their connection with the moon and its meaning in this book is amazing. I deeply mean it when I say it’s phenomenal and will help create confidence in connection even when we can’t be physically together.

[Julia]

~ Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group / CrissCross AppleSauce for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review ~

A wonderful book with lush imagery and a heartwarming message. So often I see parents forget that the ultimate goal of parenting is to help their children grow into good, independent individuals; it's almost as if they think that separation means they can't still be united as a family. "The Chickadees and the Moon Above" is a beautiful reminder that distance doesn't matter as long as the love is there.

Once I have children of my own, this will definitely be among the books that I will read to them before bed.

[Andrew]

The Chickadees and The Moon Above give books like Oh, the Places You'll Go a run for their money-- If you want a new, sweet book about growing up and (literally) leaving the nest, this is the one. The Chickadee mother knows when it's time for her children to go off on their own, but no matter where they go, they'll look up at the same sky and think of each other. A new life is not a life lost, and this book does a beautiful job at sharing how family bonds can last, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations worthy of hanging on your wall.

[Mary]

Having read hundreds of children’s books over the years, I must say I was confused y this storyline. Even though it’s supposed to be about the little birdies leaving the nest, that’s all there is. Don’t believe many children would connect to this family story. The focus seems to be about birdies leaving so they could be their best. Kids this young should have stories lighthearted and fun.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Roxana]

The star of The Chickadees and the Moon Above, by Sara A. Simon, is definitely the beautiful water color illustrations. But the lovely art is well-accompanied by a sweet, simple, touching story of motherhood and love and home, that will surely make a sweet baby shower gift or bedtime read-aloud book for many readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and CrissCross AppleSauce for the advance review copy!

[Rachael Burow]

LOVED this book. As a mom, this tugged on my heart strings and I loved reading it to my 3 kids. It is such a great reminder for them! They also loved looking at the beautiful pages. It’s hard to come across good children’s books these days so I was so happy to add this one to our collection!

It’s a great book to give to your kid’s, grandkids, even students if you’re a teacher.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks)]

Thanks to Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group, CrissCross AppleSauce for a free digital copy for my review.

A sweet little story about a mother's love and encouragement to her children to be the best they can me. A simple but straightforward message.

[Rebecca Hill]

This was a cute little story about a mother bird and her chicks - and how after they leave, they will remember each other by looking at the moon at night.

I enjoyed reading this one to my kids. Very sweet and adorable. We all enjoyed it!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Reading For Sanity]

Read this review and others at https://www.readingforsanity.com/2021...