Jump the Moon

by Kathy Simmers, Marjorie Van Heerdan (Illustrator)

Ponies were always coming and going at the barn, that was nothing new, but as summer begins the girl with the long blonde hair notices something about the newest pony to arrive that she can’t quite put her finger on.

This pony is ordinary, ugly even and on top of that, she is mean. But the girl doesn’t seem to care, she is drawn to her and determined to earn the pony’s trust.

Over the course of the summer, the pair develop an incredible bond. But, tragically, as summer ends the two are separated. Readers will eagerly turn the pages to find out if the girl and the pony will ever see each other again.

The beautiful illustrations throughout this picture book bring to life an emotional journey that will make readers of all ages cry, smile, and cheer as it reminds us all to follow our dreams.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Horses, Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2020

About the author

Kathy Simmers always wanted to live on a farm with horses. When she was twelve years old, she started taking riding lessons. At nineteen she bought her first horse. It seemed like she was well on her way, but life doesn’t always go in a straight line. Though Kathy faced many obstacles she never gave up on her dream. Today Kathy & her husband live on a farm in North Carolina with horses, llamas, a small herd of goats, cats, a dog, and some chickens.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you share an inexplicable bond with someone, even time and distance cannot dull the strength of that connection. “Jump the Moon” is a story that tells you of one such bond between a girl and a pony. The girl, who remains unnamed throughout the book, finds herself attracted to the latest addition to a pony barn. While the pony is initially reluctant to ingratiate himself to any human, she soon realises that this girl is special. They share many magical times together but soon the vacations come to an end and the two are parted. Do they ever reunite? Will they have the same magical connection as before? I am sure you can guess the answer to both these questions. But what makes this book a little extra magical is that it is based on a true story. So even sceptics who might have dismissed the book as farfetched won’t be able to deny that when the heart sets out to do something with an honest intent, the results are almost always fruitful.

Children, whether they love ponies or not, will definitely love this story. The connection between a human and a pet is beautifully depicted. Plus the book raises many other important points on relationships, understanding, compassion and determination.

The illustrations by Marjorie VanHeerden are an icing on the cake. They are colourful and attractive without going over the top, and complement the story beautifully.

I wasn’t too happy with the font in my ARC; it was too small and quite plain. But I guess this might not be a problem in the actual book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

The bond between a little girl and a horse who are separated and find each other many years later. I found this a very sweet story that would certainly find a place in the hearts of many horse-loving little girls. The vocabulary is friendly to young readers or could be a great parent/child read.


Publication Date 20/10/20
Goodreads review published 03/03/21
#JumptheMoon #NetGalley

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first ARC of a children's book, and I couldn't have picked a better one to read. Jump the Moon is a cute little story of a girl and pony that has had a difficult life. How the two of them bond only to get separated forms the first half of the story. The second half is about whether the girl and her pony can unite again or not.
Written in simple language for kids, the book starts and ends too soon. In fact, my only ruse is that the book was over almost immediately.
I'd be doing grave injustice to the fabulous illustrator if I didn't mention her work. It's top-class; mesmerizing and soothing.
The story gently teaches about love, life, kindness, hope, and friendship. And it's based on a true story too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing, for the ARC copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming book is based on a true story about a young girl who wins the heart of a troublesome horse one summer. She is able to form a bond with the horse through her patience and love. Years later, she searches for the horse, who has been bought and sold by a few owners who cannot connect with the horse like she did.

I loved the illustrations, and maybe it's just the postpartum hormones, but I got a little teary-eyed at one point of the book! This is a truly beautiful story.

The book is not for sale at traditional book retailers. It is available online on the author's website, www.readjumpthemoon.com as well as at many tack shops (the locations of which can be found on the author's website).

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley, Bound to Happen Publishing and Kathy Simmers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


5 stars.

Ohh good gosh nobody told me how amazing this book would be! I will completely admit that I am very very guilty here of judging a book by it's cover, but can you blame me! It's absolutely beautiful 😍. The illustrations are so soft and the colours, don't get me started on that because it's basically my favourite colour combinations the whole way through this book.

The story was so full of heart. It was beautiful. It was happy. It was sad. It was magical. It was a dreamers dream and a wishers wish. It's a story of friendship and love and it also teaches the value of kindness, to all beings.

If your child loves ponies, just like little Rachel does, then this is a must read. Plus, it's a true story!

[Rebecca Crunden]

✾ children’s book review ✾

This is a very lovely story about a girl and her horse, and the bond they form over a summer spent riding together. When the pony is eventually sold, the girl misses her terribly, and years later she sets off to find out what happened to her horse.

This is a great book for kids, especially for little equestrians!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored "Jump the Moon" by Kathy Simmers. It truly captures the special bond that a human and an animal can have for each other! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this wonderful book.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very precious story about a girl and a pony with the most amazing illustrations!

This story is quite meaningful as it shows the strong bond between the pony and the girl in such a captivating manner. The writing is beautiful. The artstyle gets far more beautiful with each page. So worth the read.

Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story is a bit simplistic, the illustrations are beautiful and I think horse crazy children (and the grown ups they become) will like the sweet story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter absolutely loved this inspiring story of friendship. She loves horses, so this was right up her alley. Based on a true story, it sparked discussions on how God can inspire us in simple ways to act and help each other, and how he loves us and wants to help us with our goals even, or perhaps especially, when there doesn't seem to be a way forward. We truly enjoyed it!
Thanks again NetGalley for the book.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story! I have always loved horses, though I've never been able to ride - no farms around!

This story of a bond between girl and horse that blossomed one summer - and stretched on years later - was just the sort of story I needed to read during this gray, drizzly day.

The illustrations are beautiful, and the story amazing. The pacing is great, and the characters are loveable and relatable.

5/5 triquetras here - great for anyone who is a horse person, wants to be, or wants to read a story about the power of friendship.

*Thanks to the author, publisher, and netgalley for a free copy in exchange for a review.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet read based on the true story of a girl with long blond hair and the horse that she loved so much she searched for him again and again.

While I enjoyed the story itself, there were times the writing was a little awkward for me. However, I believe that this would be a perfect gift for a young girl whose love of horses outweighs the love of anything else.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bound to Happen Publishing for the chance to read and review this book.

3.5 stars

[Liz Losey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and heart warming story of a horse and her girl! If you have a horse, love horses or love great, inspirational stories, this will fill your heart with joy and hope. Great story for folks of ALL AGES!!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of eBook

There once was a girl with long blond hair who had always dreamed of having a pony that she could love forever. She worked at a barn so that she could ride the ponies, even scruffy gray Me Too that everyone said was just plain mean. Everyone at the barn was afraid of Me Too . . . except the girl with the long blond hair.

The girl doesn’t believe the pony is mean; she thinks Me Too only wants someone to be nice to her. The girl with the long blond hair rides the gray pony every day; she tells her that she loves her and she shares her cookies with the pony. They go to horse shows and everyone is surprised when they win every class . . . everyone except the girl with the long blond hair. Together, the pony and the girl know that they can do anything, perhaps even jump the moon.

When summer was over, Me Too went back to her old home and the girl planned to see her when summer came again. But that didn’t happen. Me Too was sold several times while the girl went to college and got married.

Then Me Too began to dream about the girl with the long blond hair. And the girl began to dream about Me Too. Will the girl and the horse be able to find each other once again?

Young readers ages four and up are the target audience for this lovely picture book in which they see the power of love, the strength of trust, and joy of bonding between the girl and the horse as they learn they should never limit the possibilities and never give up on their dreams.

While equestrians young and old are sure to find something to appreciate here, the story has wider appeal simply for its message of acceptance, compassion, and love and of following a dream. Enhanced by the stunning, soft-color illustrations, this is a story that reminds all animal lovers to appreciate the joy that comes from simply being together.

Based on a true story, this heartwarming tale is sure to elicit a smile [and perhaps a happy tear or two] from every reader.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Bound to Happen Publishing and NetGalley
#JumptheMoon #NetGalley

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ Thanks to NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review ~

I'm not quite sure why "Jump the Moon" didn't really do it for me. The background art was beautiful, and it was very similar in tone to some of the fairy books I used to read as a child, which indicated that it would be a good fit. Unfortunately, there were a few factors that just didn't work for me. I hated that the horse was called "Me Too," which probably could have been fixed by having the fact that this was a true story mentioned at the beginning of the book rather than the end. Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction, and for whatever reason, picturing a horse with that name before knowing the book's background felt too on the nose, especially since the line was also used as Me Too's main dialogue. The font didn't contrast well against the backgrounds on some of the pages. I don't have dyslexia or other disabilities but this may prove an issue for those who do. And I also wasn't a huge fan of there being a religious quote promoting the Christian faith on what had otherwise been a non-religious book (I'm Catholic so trust me when I say it has nothing to do with prejudice against Christians), but I guess to each their own.
I will say that the art was definitely age appropriate and I can imagine a child being drawn in by the book's appearance and even by the story itself. As an adult reading it, I could take it or leave it, although I will admit the true story that inspired this book is fascinating to think about.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful cover for Jump the Moon by Kathy Simmers author, and Marjorie Van Heerdan illustrator entices you to open and read this story. a misunderstood pony finds acceptance and love only to seemingly lose it. Don’t we all feel misunderstood at times, which means we were rooting for the underdog pony to find that love again.

The lovely illustrations give this realistic story a magical feel while it is a down to earth story. One of the things I liked is how it is a pattern story. By the end even my granddaughters would join in together to say Me Too’s thoughts. That just made it even more fun to read. The author’s note at the end tell that it is based on a true story. We all loved that it especially had the real life happy ending.

This was a favorite of the day for my granddaughters when we read it together. They both gave it 5 stars.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pony tale for quite young readers, mainly girls. A girl who helps at a horse barn get friendly with one pony (I don't like the name, Me Too, but later we are told this was based on a true story). We get to see life from the pony's point of view. And while they have a great year, then they have to go their separate ways. And a succession of not-great owners follows for the pony. We are told the two never stop thinking they might see the other again. It's nice for kids to realise that ponies have feelings.

The cover artwork is lovely, with flowing lines and subtle colours. The inside art was not provided for me, so I can't rate it. I found the tale didn't have enough action for the expectations of young readers today. Nor enough challenges. For that reason, the writing isn't memorable - for me. But if you just want a daydream read, this is fine. Also, it's no harm to show young riders that unfortunately they can't always just fall in love with a horse and keep it forever, as many stories relate.

I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book relates the sweet tale of a young girl with blonde hair who loves horses. She cannot have her own, so she is working in a barn with a horse trainer for the summer. A gray pony balks at everyone, but this young girl succeeds in developing a special relationship with the pony. As the summer wears on, the two seem to complete each other’s thoughts, hence the phrase, Me Too.

At the end of the summer, the pony is sold. For many years, their paths diverge. The girl begins college. Then she starts to reminisce and dream about the pony. She wants to reconnect. Will she succeed in tracking down the pony and can she restore that special bond of empathy, trust, and kindness?

The soft pastel illustrations impart a whimsical and light-hearted mood to the rhythmic story line. Highly recommended for elementary grade readers.

I received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story! The art work was beautiful and my daughter loved the horse and how the girl in the story had blonde hair, like she does, and braided the horse's hair. The message of being kind to others who don't necessarily seem to deserve it or are not nice to others, was a beautiful lesson for children. I love how the girl's relentless love and kindness for Me Too helped changed her demeanor, which is a wonderful parallel to how we should treat other people. I also really loved how the girl searched for Me Too when she was older. It is a sweet and simple story that is based on a true story. We really enjoyed it!

[Novel Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Simmers’ Jump the Moon is a beautiful story loosely based on true events. Me Too has been abused by humans and distrusts them, until the girl with the blonde hair offers her friendship. Not expecting anything from Me Too, the girl with the blonde hair meets her where she is, offering kindness and understanding. As life goes on, Me Too is taken back to her current owners and the little girl loses touch with the horse. Later, as an adult, the little girl is able to reunite with Me Too. Any child who loves horses with be delighted with the book.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Bound to Happen Publishing. Originally posted at novelobsession.com.

[Alex Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written by the same author who wrote Posey’s Problem, so I knew I would love it!
It’s a cute story of a young girl and a horse, who has a pretty hard life. The bond they have is literally the absolute sweetest to see as the story unfolds. This story teaches about love, life, kindness, hope, and friendship! 🥹
The connection between a human and an animal is absolutely wonderful & reading this story just even reaffirmed it more. The illustrations were wonderful & just added to the sweetest little story.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story! Jump the Moon is a story about a girl that longed for a pony of her own and a pony that no one wanted to keep. They meet one summer and grow close, only to lose each other when summer comes to an end. A wonderful story about remembering those we love and reuniting with them when the time is right. I thought that the story was sweet and the illustrations were beautiful. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Bound to Happen Publishing for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Having a horse loving daughter, this was a great book to sit and read with her. It is a story about a girl who worked with a horse over a summer and developed an unbreakable bond. Accompanying the story is some beautiful illustrations to help tell the true story of Denise and Me Too. Overall it's a simple story with a great message.

[Jennyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One summer, a grumpy grey pony is transformed into a champion through the love and care of a young girl who works at the barn. But when summer is over, she goes back to school and the pony is sold. Over the course of many years, both pony and girl dream about the other until, in the end, they are reunited.

This was a beautifully illustrated true story of following one's dreams and never giving up.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Shannon Yannitello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship comes in a variety of forms and this gentle and kind story of friendship between a shy young girl and a misunderstood horse is a beautiful example. Lovely illustrations capture the strength and power of the pony, the sweet determination of the girl, and their love for one another even over time and distance. Sure to capture the hearts of horse enthusiasts and people yearning for a happy ending after a magical summer and tragic separation.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely story is based on true events. A girl with long blond hair fell in love with a grey pony. They had the summer together but were separated. Years later after dreaming of her beloved pony, the girl went hunting for her friend, and eventually she was found and they were reunited. This story is sweet, but also a bit sad. The illustrations, while beautiful, are soft and help that sad feeling linger.

[Jennifer T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a lovely, heartfelt book. I have never been horse crazy myself but lots of little girls are and this book would be perfect for them. Really for any child who loves animals this book would be perfect. Also has truly beautiful art as well. I loved it!

**thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC I received #NetGalley **

[Becky McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pony, a girl and a dream the perfect story plot for a book! What a beautifully written story about a girl who bonded with a pony to be separated and then reunited years later. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is so sweet. This will be a definite hit to any horse crazy girl. Even better it is based on a true story!

[bohemianrhapsodyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

do you like ponies? Do you like stories? Then you will love this book! This book is about a young girl who becomes attached to a pony. Over the course of the book the pony and the girl become separated. It is a sad event indeed. Well the girl and the pony become reunited? You have to read the book to find out!

I just reviewed Jump the Moon by Kathy Simmers. #JumptheMoon #NetGalley

[Annie Flanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet book. I totally enjoyed it.

The illustraions are so beautiful.

I loved the story line - a young girl falls in love with a pony and dreams of that pony. And the pony dreams of the young girl, too. They are separated for many years - but eventually find each other again.

What I especially loved was that this story was based on a true incident.