The Girl Who Spoke to the Moon: A Story about Friendship and Loving Our Earth

by Land Wilson, Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)

Overview

A sweet bedtime story that will inspire children to protect the Earth and encourage others to do the same.

When Sofia dreams of visiting the Moon one night, she discovers people are hurting the Earth! With the Moon as her guide, Sofia learns how we can work together to make Earth feel better.

With rhyming text and beautiful illustrations, this sweet, environmentally friendly story is a gentle lesson and clear reminder of the importance of caring for our planet. Previously published as Sofia's Dream, this updated edition includes bonus back matter about pollution and the simple steps we can take to protect the Earth!

"Young activist dreamers will appreciate the new perspective and environmental call to action."—Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492698739
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	02/04/2020
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	497,229
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD980L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Land Wilson developed an appreciation for nature as a boy thanks to his parents and naturalist Elizabeth Terwilliger. Having read that viewing Earth from space had a profound effect on a person's sense of responsibility to the health of our planet, Land wanted to share what he learned about the importance of protecting nature. After interviewing three Apollo astronauts, Colonel Frank Borman, Captain Eugene Cernan, and Captain Wally Schirra, Jr., he resolved to share this experience with children. It was then that Sofia's Dream was born.

Sue Cornelison grew up in Libertyville, Illinois. After earning her BFA in Art Studio and Art Education from Drake University, she traveled to Florence, Italy, to further her art studies at The International School of Studio Arts. While raising a family of six children with her husband, Ross, a jazz musician, she taught high school art and pursued her love of art, design, and illustration. She has illustrated many book covers and enjoys writing and illustrating books for children."

Read an Excerpt

"In her mind,
Sofia left the world behind.
When she reached the moon in space,
She asked about his gloomy face.
'Now, my friend, that you are here,
I'll show you what it is I fear.
Take a close look at Earth with me,
Then tell me what it is you see.'"

Editorial Reviews

"Young activist dreamers will appreciate the new perspective and environmental call to action." — Kirkus Reviews

"Soft, delicate illustrations lit with moon’s glow make this a perfect book for sharing at bedtime. Supported with back matter that describes the different types of pollution, and encourages action to care for our Earth, all ages will be inspired to do their part to care for the world around them. " — School Library Connection

From the Publisher

★ 01/01/2020

K-Gr 3—Humans impact the planet in significant ways every day; sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to adjust these behaviors for the better. Sophia is a thoughtful young girl who often thinks about the moon. One evening, she and the moon begin a conversation, and a friendship quickly grows from it. As time goes by, Sophia recognizes that the moon is not only blue in color but is also blue in disposition. When she asks the orb what is wrong, Sophia is invited to see Earth as the moon sees it: beautiful, but in distress. Upon her return, Sophia is inspired to work with others to preserve Earth for generations to come. Climate change is a real concern for humans as the population of the earth increases every day. With limited resources and the undeniable effects of global warming, it is clear that something has to give. This beautifully poetic story introduces young children to the reality of global warming in an accessible and encouraging way. Rhyming phrases and soft, muted colors make this a perfect bedtime read. At the end of the book, readers will find more detailed information about climate change and what humans can do in their daily lives to help mitigate this problem. To enhance the moon's perspective, quotes from astronauts who have seen Earth from space adorn the final pages. VERDICT Elementary school classrooms will find this a valuable addition to their Earth Day collections.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library

School Library Journal

2019-10-23
A new perspective can sometimes work wonders.

Awakened one night by a noise, Sofia finds her gaze following a beam of light to the Moon's winking eye, and they chat. "From this night on, a friendship grew / into a bond both strong and true." Later, Sofia, presented with a light complexion and dark hair and eyes, notices the Moon is sad and wants to help. She follows the Moon's suggestion and visits the Moon in a dream. As Sofia looks from the Moon toward Earth, Moon explains that Mother Earth is her "closest relative," but Earth's "people seem so unaware / that what Earth needs is better care." Moon suggests simple things everyone can do to take care of Mother Earth, and Sofia makes "a pledge of things to do / like passing on these words to you." While the often forced rhyme is light on specifics, backmatter defines air, land, and water pollution, then presents a bulleted list of everyday activities that can help keep "Earth clean and healthy." Sidebars in the backmatter include insightful reflections from male and female astronauts who witnessed planet Earth from space. Realistic illustrations mostly in neutral creams and grays capture the "pearl" and "opal glow" of Sofia's moon but may not capture the attention of young readers.

Young activist dreamers will appreciate the new perspective and environmental call to action. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews