The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave is the first book in the Heath Cousins series. While visiting their grandfather's beach house in Maine, Addie receives a mysterious treasure box once owned by her grandmother. In it is a moonstone ring, and a mysterious poem. The poem leads Addie and her cousins to nearby Moonstone Cave where together they enter a secret and magical garden and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they meet wonderful friends like Gemma, who reminds them all of a younger version of their grandmother; Jumani, a large white wolf; and Jadira, a strange and smelly creature whom they grow to love. During the adventure, they learn the most important lesson of all - they must work together if they want to escape the dangers ahead of them and find their way back home.
At only 65 pages, The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave is a short, but sweet middle grade story that explores difficult topics such as grief and mourning gracefully, while adding a bit of adventure too. My 11-year old nephew read this book too and I am including his review and thoughts here at the end.
Thoughts:
How do you mourn the loss of someone you love? How do you work through memories the first time you do something without them? How do you engage with others you rarely see - especially when you are all by yourself? There are no easy answers for any of these questions, but in this story help comes from a gift from grandma, a strange dream, and the persistence and outgoingness of a 6-year old boy named Bodie.
There were several good features I found as I read through the book. First, I found the plot pace to be nice and consistent through-out the entire story. I also appreciated reading through Addie's reluctance to join up with her cousins at first - yes, it may be that she was still sad, but truthfully when you're an outsider all by yourself it's hard to go up to a group already established and join in. It often does take a special event or one of the group to ask the one that is alone to join in. As a 6-year old, Bodie, is especially good at this as he tries several times to bring Addie join the group. It's a reminder for everyone to always be on the look out of ways to make others feel welcome. As a reviewer, what I also really appreciated was although the children are still mourning the loss of their grandmother, the author didn't use an adventure to distract them or make them forget their grandma. Instead, the strange dream, the moonstone ring and what they experienced in the cave all related to their grandma and was helped bring them closer together through their grief and their shared memories while giving them an opportunity to remember that she is still with them - even if not in person.
Nephew Review:
Did You Like It?: Yes
Favorite Character: Jack. Because he's very protective of his brothers and he doesn't want to lose any more of his family.
Favorite Part: It was in the cave when they faced all the different doors and they had to work together to find the right one.
Favorite Door: The fire door
Was Anything Confusing? Anything You Didn't Like?: No and No
Nephew Rating: 4.5 stars
Both my nephew and I are now starting Book 2 in the series with a review to come once finished.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book and the opportunity to provide our honest review.
This is a wonderful, entertaining story of four cousins visiting Grandpa’s house with their families. It is the first visit since the passing of Grandma Winnie, she was an essential figure in their family. The cousins set aside their differences and work together in figuring out what is inside the Moonstone Cave. Thank you to the author for a copy! This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed the story "The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave," which I read to my grandson. Any young person aged seven and up should read it. It delves into the challenging subjects of grieving, mourning gracefully, teamwork, and adventure. All of the cousins come together for the journey, putting aside their differences and cooperating as a unit. Excellent life lesson. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave. It's the first book in the Heath Cousin series, and it's written by Eileen Hobbs. This book is super exciting, and I want to share all the cool things that happen in it!
So, the story is about Addie B. and her cousins Jack, Beanie, and Bodie. They are feeling really sad because their grandma Winnie passed away. But something really cool happens! They go to their grandpa's beach, and Addie B. finds a special box that belonged to her grandma. Inside the box, there's a picture of Grandma when she was young, a moonstone ring, and a mysterious poem.
Guess what? The poem leads them to a magical place called the Moonstone cave! I think that's so cool. In the cave, they discover a secret and magical garden. But then they realize they need to find a way back home. And you know what's important? They have to work together! This lesson about teamwork is in the book a lot of times, like on almost every page!
In the magical garden, they meet new friends like Gemma, who reminds them of their grandma when she was young. There's also Jumani, a big white wolf, and Charlie, who's a smelly but nice creature. They learn that working together is really important if they want to get back home. I think that's a great lesson.
But, oh my gosh, there's a scary part too! A huge, dark black wolf tries to eat them! That's super creepy. But don't worry, Jumani saves the day and rescues them. There's even a scary picture that made me scream a little!
I really liked reading "The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave." It's full of adventures and surprises. I felt like I was right there with Addie B. and her cousins, exploring the magical garden and solving problems. The lesson about teamwork is something we all should remember, and I think it's awesome that it's in the book so much.
If you like books with magic, adventure, and lots of excitement, you should definitely read this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the Heath Cousin series and see what happens next with Addie B. and her cousins. It's like a big adventure with friends, and that's the best kind of story!
So, if you're looking for a fun and exciting book, "The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave" is a great choice. I had so much fun reading it, and I hope you will too!
In honor of Mothers Day, we are posting this Mother-Daughter “buddy read” of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙚 .
Review by MY, age 12. 👧🏻 This book was about a girl who came to visit her cousins at her grandparents’ house. She didn’t like her cousins. Then, an adventure opened up for them. Will it be enough to make them bond?
This is perfect for younger middle grade kids. Maybe 8-10 years old? The length is just right. The story was pretty good. It had a simple plot that was easy to follow. The adventure they had was pretty scary. A real test for the characters! I wonder if I would be as brave and calm if it happened to me. Overall, it was entertaining. Again, this is for younger middle grade readers.
I give it 4 stars. Could it have been longer? Could it have had more things going on? For younger readers, I think it is good!
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Review by Mom 👩🏻: I decided to buddy read this with my daughter. My daughter and I both collect crystals so we agreed to read it.
It wasn’t what I expected! There were some fantasy elements within the book. It reminded me of a spirit quest of sorts and these kids had to go through the test. Yes, the adventure wasn’t all roses. Pain, loss, darkness, monsters, puzzles... will the cousins make it through?
The quest was definitely the highlight. I think younger kids will appreciate that part. It had the right amount of “peril”. I like that crystals were incorporated in the story. It helped to tie in reality with fantasy. It is that tangible evidence that what the characters experienced wasn’t a dream. I liked that the characters were different ages and that the boys Bodie, Beanie, and Jack, were estranged from their cousin, Addie B. It added some tension to the story. Seeing their relationship grow was very rewarding. More adventures are definitely possible for these cousins!
A very easy, entertaining read, this is good for 8-10 year olds. I would round it off to 4 stars.
Review from my daughter Paige, 11yo; IG account: paige.s.reading for more book reviews!
Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, mystery, and magic
Plot: One summer day, Addie B travels with her parents to her grandparent’s house because her grandmother Winnie passed away. Addie is not happy because her boy cousins (Jack, Body, and Beanie) will be there. Her grandfather gives her a mysterious box from her grandmother that holds a puzzling poem and a moonstone ring. Her boy cousins want to show Addie a cave close to the beach. In the cave, they find another mysterious box that leads them to a garden called the garden of choices. They meet a strange woman named Gemma. Addie and her cousins must work together to find their way home from the garden of choices by a series of doors.
Feelings: Though it’s a quick read, it was a very captivating book. I couldn’t stop reading, and I wanted more! A plot fueled by magic and mystery to solve. If you are looking for an action-packed book with clues solving, choice-making, and teamwork, you will be satisfied with this one! I even learned some Latin proverbs too!
Fun facts: I am a happy winner of the summer book giveaway (on IG). The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave is the first book in the series. There are 4 books in the series so far. My sister Laly (almost 9) read the book too and loved it. In her words, the story is a unique, adventurous, and smart plot!
What would you do when you loose your grandma . That is what is happening to Addie B and her cousins . They lost their grandma Winnie and mourning her . When they head to grandpa's house by the sea . Addie finds a treasure box from her grandma and a mysterious note . That sends them on an adventure in a mysterious garden with some fascinating characters . By working together with their new friends Gemma, Jumani who is a big white wolf and Jadira a smelly little creature that everyone falls in love with . They have quite an adventure and finally get home . The characters are so sweet and you just want to hug them tight and keep them safe . Addie is a sweet girl and the cousins well they are boys and when they get into trouble you know its going to be good . There are magical creatures that you will fall in love with . This is a sweet story of mourning and trying to keep someone you love in your mind . The characters are well written and you will fall in love with them . The adventure is great for kids and adults alike . I can't wait till my nephew is old enough to read this book. He will love it just like I did . So if you have kids that love to read add this one to their reading list . Its easy to read and understand .
Thank you to the author for sharing a copy of The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave with #collabookation . This book is the tale of Addie B., on her way to spend three weeks of her summer with her nightmarish cousins. However, the group quickly stumbles upon an intriguing stone and cave, and soon find that they cannot turn back! I have to say that my one issue with this book is that it isn’t longer! On one hand, I thought of many of my students who are intimidated by longer texts; I know they will pick this book up because it is a quick read~ but the story will keep them reading! As a reader and teacher, especially with MG, I love to read character driven books, to show my students how we an ever-evolving species (particularly those entering adolescence!) This book is plot-driven, which will keep kids engaged. But as I already mentioned, I was hoping for Addie B. to do some soul-searching and growing over the course of the book. This is not a criticism of the book, it’s me asking (and finding room) for MORE! If you have kids/students who love the magical and mystical, The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave will please them for sure! Highly recommend!
What an adventurous, fun story! I love read kids books for a change of pace. This book is full of adventure and during that adventure, a few lessons were learned. It’s hard when you loose a Grandparent as a child. You don’t quite understand all of it. And then the first time you go somewhere that grandparent usually was, it’s hard not seeing them there. The Heath Cousins, Addie B, Jack, Beanie and Bodie. Addie was living in London and the boys in the United States. Their families came together at the beach house for vacation and it was very hard to be there without Grandma. Now Grandma was a Native American Indian and she left Addie a special box that was hers. This box started the adventure into the cave that lead them to a door. This door lead them to a garden with many doors. To get back home, the cousins had to pick the right one. This story teaches about loss, getting along, working together, trusting and making the right choices. I highly recommend this book!
Addie B. is visiting her grandparents’ house for the first time since her grandmother passed away and she is not excited to see her cousins! While visiting, she receives a poem and a moonstone ring left for her by her grandma! These clues lead Addie B. and her cousins Jack, Beanie, and Bodie to a mysterious cave and a secret garden where adventure awaits! . I really enjoyed this book! I really related to Addie B. and enjoyed how she was able to use her knowledge (like Latin) to help her and her cousins on their journey. I also really liked that all of the cousins had special abilities to help! . There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like! I liked all of the characters and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. . Follow me on Instagram @lucys.lovely.library for more reviews!
This was a very unique, creative story with some very interesting pieces. Addie B. has traveled from her home in England to spend part of the summer with her three boy cousins on the coast of Maine. Everybody is feeling sad because of the recent loss of their grandmother, Winnie, the matriarch of the family with Native American heritage. Once they arrive, a series of events lead Addie and her three cousins into a magical adventure. A dream and a moonstone lead the four Heath cousins into a magical cave, where the only way out can be found through teamwork and trusting each other. Each cousin is given a magical gift which allows them to contribute in special ways to the group's mission. Young readers will enjoy this imaginative journey with mysterious strangers and creatures!
Book Title: The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave Book Author: Eileen Hobbs Rating: 5 stars
This a light middle grade fiction novel that shows growth in the children characters and them learning something on their magical adventure. It was great to see a group of cousins learning to work together. ^_^ I loved the creatures that appeared and am interested in reading book 2. It’s a quick read and I recommend it to kids. Good for all ages. Very cute story.
This is such a fun read full of family, adventure and lots of excitement!
Addie B. Visits her cousins shortly after their Grandmothers passing and while visiting they discover a magical cave. The adventure brings them all together on the journey of a lifetime! One they will never forget! This is a perfect book for kids ages 8 and up! Even as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I had an amazing adventure reading The Heath Cousins and the Amazing Moonstone Cave! After the loss of their beloved Grandmother, the children are still dealing with their emotions when a surprising journey lays ahead of them. What will they do? Will they work together? They have a lot of problems ahead. I highly recommend The Heath Cousins and the Amazing Moonstone Cave. It is a well written, enjoyable adventure you want to join.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This story is a breathtaking adventure filled with heart, mystery, and wonder. Addie and her cousins take readers on an unforgettable journey through grief, love, and magic. The moonstone ring and poem from Grandma Winnie open a doorway to a world where courage and unity reign. The characters are beautifully written, and the lessons about family, teamwork, and believing in yourself make this book a true gem. A must-read for anyone who loves heartfelt fantasy and adventure!
This was a fun little adventure. I had a pretty good idea of what would happen based on the summary but I still enjoyed the journey. I would have loved to go on an adventure like this as an adolescent. The book is a quick and easy read, which is always a plus for me.
Great book for all ages! I enjoyed the cousins adventure and how they were able to come together to make it through their adventure. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for the heath cousins. I hope the second book explains more of the grandmother’s involvement in this mysterious place/world.
Cute little adventure for kids! I enjoy reading a kids book every so often for a change. It's also about mourning someone you love. Loss is never easy but on kids it's harder because they don't always understand like adults do. Loved the characters even the gross boys haha. Also death isn't always the end...I recommend the book!
Addie and her three cousins are visiting their grandmother's beach house. The boys found a moonstone in a cave near the house while playing one day. The next day they all decide to explore the cave. What adventures will they get up to in the Moonstone Cave?
The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave is an adventurous read that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. I actually read this one with my daughter (she's 6) and she liked the adventure these cousins went on. In her words "I wish I could find a cave like this!"
This is a cute story. The author has created a story for young readers with a hint of magic. It’s a fun story that I enjoyed following along on the adventure.
What a wonderful story. Very vivid characters and story line. I loved the characters they were so fun and a joy to follow, I enjoyed reading this book I hope more people and children do also.
My name is Corey and I am going into 2nd grade. I really enjoyed this book. It was very exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. It kept my attention very well. I loved the characters in the story.