‘A fun story, sweetly illustrated and awash with words of wisdom.’

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Editorial Book Review

I rather enjoyed these two short novels [Vol. 1 and Vol. 2] for children; but, most importantly, so did my 7 yr old daughter. Firstly, the story in both books [Vol. 1 and Vol. 2] is well-written. The writing style is apt for children of my daughter’s age: short paragraphs with plenty happening to keep a child’s alert mind amused. The characters, particularly the rather melodramatic Magic Moon, are fun to follow; the adventure packed full of twists and turns to keep even 7 yr old boys amused.The author works hard to offer the young reader a message. Hidden within the first story is the importance of happiness. But the author understands how important it is not to ‘push it in the face’ of the young reader. The message is there, but the reader can also, if they wish, simply enjoy a sweetly written story.

Now to the illustrations. For my daughter, they were the best part of the books. Yes, she enjoyed the plots, characters and settings, but it was the colourful, even delightful, drawings that had her enthralled. There are plenty too in both books, and they, along with the lightly written story, kept her enthralled all evening.

I would think any parent who is looking for a lightly written, fun-filled, fantasy story for children aged 6 – 9 would find both books fit the bill perfectly. Also, there’s a lovely theme of ‘happiness’ to the novels that parents will be happy to share with young children. Colorfully illustrated and with plenty happening to keep a child amused, they might prove very popular at bedtime.

Editorial Reviewer 4/5 Stars. 'A Wishing Shelf’ Book Review www.thewsa.co.uk Children's (18) ratings 5/5 Stars

FINALIST 2017  The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 

CRITICS PICK - Top 10% Indie Books Worth Discovering, (Sept. 10, 2019)"A message book with a bit of mystery.""A young boy climbs a mountain to the Magic Moon in this children’s picture book.The titular Moon will grant visitors two requests during their lifetimes—to find a lost treasure and to receive something good that won’t hurt anyone. A young white boy makes the journey and gets his first answer: His sister’s lost dolly is behind the woodpile. At school, a new student is ostracized and teased, but the protagonist plays with him, enjoying his invention involving a ball and a peach basket. The boy later climbs the mountain to ask the Magic Moon for “the secret of happiness.” But the Moon tells the boy that he already knows, reminding him of how he felt helping his sister and the new kid at school. His second trek isn’t wasted, though. The Moon says: “The difficult journey makes the happiness found at the end sweeter!”

Debut author Moulton gives her Magic Moon an interestingly challenging personality with a booming voice, sometimes making jokes, sometimes oracular. This characterization rescues the story as a whole from becoming too syrupy while still getting the message across. Young basketball lovers will enjoy the veiled references to that game’s origins. Whitchurch’s painted illustrations are...varied and nicely composed."

5/5 STARS. "In Magic Moon: A Young Boy’s Journey by Shirley Moulton

Magic Moon is a fearsome entity that grants two requests once a month to all who manage to make the journey up the treacherous mountain to visit him. However, there are limitations to these requests. The first request must be to find a lost treasure, and the second must be for something good that will not cause harm to anyone. Although the boy is young, he is also determined and brave. His younger sister begs him to ask Magic Moon to find her beloved toy doll, and although he had wanted to ask Magic Moon where his only and favorite toy had been misplaced, he chooses to make his sister happy. She is overjoyed to be reunited with her dolly, and her brother is content knowing this. When he befriends a new child at school, he returns to see Magic Moon again. Will the omnipotent being grant the boy his second request? 

Magic Moon is a lovely children’s story about courage and selflessness. Shirley Moulton wrote Magic Moon with flair. Her prose is simple yet beautiful. It was a pleasure to read this heartwarming tale. The characters in this story are fleshed out well and very likable. Magic Moon, who is initially intimidating, is shown to have a witty sense of humor. The young boy is also very sincere and endearing. His generosity and kindness are commendable traits that children may find inspiring. Marilyn Whitchurch’s glossy full-page illustrations are also a welcome addition to the narrative. Readers of all ages will enjoy this enchanting story."