Walk When the Moon Is Full

by Frances Hamerstrom

One night the author's son sighs, "Do we have to go to bed early every single night until we are old?" Prompted by the question, she promises her children a walk outdoors each full moon. Their discoveries -- a doe and her yearling, a nest of baby owls -- are described month by month.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Nature, Childrens

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1975

Reviews

[Karen Witzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The naturalist/mother takes her brood for a nature walk under each full moon of the year - mostly in rural Wisconsin, but in other locales, as well. Observations and activities follow. Hamerstrom was also an authority on hunting/tracking and I can't help but think this may have led to her not being as well-known as some other nature writers for children. Published in 1975 - suitable for early readers through middle school - but really best as a read-aloud.

[Anna Nesterovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny little old book was on my currently-reading shelf for almost a year, but only because my son and I were reading one chapter at a time for every full moon this year.

I bought it on a whim from our local library (they haven't kept a single copy!) and it turned out to be beautiful. Growing up in another country, I never heard of, according to the cover, "internationally known Wisconsin ornithologist" Frances Hamerstrom, and our local library doesn't have any other of her books, but this little one (autographed :) ) is a treasured possession.

Though I took quite a few night walks into the wilderness myself, with my parents, friends, and alone, it has never before been a permanent family tradition. Now my son gets to experience monthly walks under the full moon. I only wish he would see a much wilder wilderness, the one I used to roam. Because how many interesting things can you expect to see in an American small town amidst corn fields, even at night? Sadly, not a lot.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a free little library and grabbed it on a whim - completely delightful!

[Thomas Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice. 1975, dedicated to her grandchildren, 12 moonlight walks (one per month) Fran took with her kids in the 1940s or early 1950s, and what they found. 63 pages, illustrated. Fran Hamerstrom was a student of Aldo Leopold's in the late 1930s. (got her master's degree under him in 1940.)

quiz questions:
goodreads.com/trivia/work/1192556-wal...

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of all time and perhaps my most prized posession. Thirteen very short stories about a Wisconsin naturalist who takes her two children for a walk every month when the moon is full. Lovely for those who appreciate four seasons.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book about 20 years ago when my oldest two children were young. It helped us begin a lifelong family tradition of taking "moon walks"--nighttime excursions and explorations by the light of the full moon.
This book describes a year's worth of "moon walks" for one family. While the book and illustrations are an enjoyable read, taking your own children (or your grandchildren) on full-moon walks will create an abundance of happy memories for all.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 States and At Least 50 Authors 2018 Reading Challenge. WISCONSIN.

The author Frances "Fran" Hamerstrom was a naturalist. One night when her children Alan and Elva ask if they must always go to bed so early, she decides to take them walking "when the moon is full". For one year, each time the moon is full they go walking, exploring, and learning about nature. A wonderful children's book dedicated to the author's grandchildren.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an awesome idea to do with the kids when they are a little older. This family took walks each cycle of the moon during the full moon and saw some marvelous sights that could only have been experienced at night.

[Tanya Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read that was fun and brings you back to the simpler times in life.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text is engaging, and it made me wish I had "walked when the moon was full" with my children. The illustrations added to the magic. It meant much to me that some of the locations were in Waushara County, Wisconsin, from where one line of my ancestors came. (Thanks, Linda, for introducing the book to our book club.)

[Bookfool · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been thinking of this book recently--was given as a (best ever!) gift as a child, and while MY parents wouldn't have done this, I certainly let it inspire my own nighttime wanderings. (Lucky to have been raised in the sort-of country.)

[Jeffrey Bumiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember having this book as a child, and it's always been very important to me. Walk When the Moon is Full had a big influence on me and is partially responsible for my love of the outdoors,nighttime exploring, and the full moon!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book and it prompted monthly walks with our kids when they were little. Very sweet ritual.

[Emilydodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet book. one way to get your kids out in nature and experiencing the world in a different way. I want to do this. Go on a walk one of the nights when the moon is full.

[Nicole Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book that has inspired full moon with my daughters. I love that Frances has left this legacy to her children and grandchildren.