Tilly's Moonlight Fox

by Julia Green, Paul Howard (Illustrator)

When Tilly moves to a big, old house with her mum and dad, she can't wait to start exploring. There, deep in the garden, she finds a mysterious, hidden gate... Led by a wild fox, Tilly discovers the magical secret that lies beyond the gate and nothing is ever quite the same again.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Juvenile, Fiction, Animals, Family

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Olde American Spirit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tilly followed after the fox. The garden was secret and dark, full of the sounds of the night. This was a wild garden. Anything might happen here…. 📚☕

I’d never heard of this book or this author but gave it a try based solely on the tagline and book cover when I saw it in person. Both gave off major Secret Garden vibes but with a (gentle) middle school-level mystery twist. The adorably whimsical illustrations inside are incredible.

I enjoyed the backdrop of a drafty old mansion and Tilly’s new backyard hidden garden with a rickety gate - holding mysteries beyond. I also enjoyed the nature descriptions and the personality and thoughts of Tilly.

While the story wasn’t as mysterious and (gently) spooky as I had dreamed up in my head, it was a sweet little story. It was a bit drawn out, but ok. THANK YOU to the author for keeping it wholesome and agenda-free. 🎉

✨📚✨In-depth reviews on my “Clean Reads” channel

[Renee Dubé]

Not rating this as it’s not really written for someone my age.
I came across this books when I ran my book subscription business and ever since I sent it to one of my first customers, I’ve always wanted to read it. The cover intrigued me and the 8 year old girl in me was dying to read it.
As a child I would have liked this book, mysterious but not scary and a nice ending.

Some parts weren’t tied up as well as I’d liked. Was Helen a ghost or just a dream?
I’m assuming the talk of sleepwalking was because that’s what Tilly was doing, but as a kid I don’t know if I would have picked up on it.

Also, it’s obvious that this book is based in Britain so why the use of Mom instead of Mum? Surely any North Americans reading this can figure out that Mum means mother. God knows as an Australian, I’ve read my fair share of North American books with their way of using the English language and come out unscathed.
But that’s just nitpicking and I’m sure the publishers choice rather than the authors.

[Leonor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also published in "Ner & Her Bookshelves"

Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to read this book since I saw the cover. Even though this is for children, you never know whether a book like this might be the best lesson in your life – because that’s normally what kids’ books try to be.

Tilly and her parents moved into a big, old house in the countryside. Her mother is going through a difficult pregnancy and her father is a writer who spends half of his days in his studio working. As every child, Tilly feels sad about leaving her old house and friends and struggles to find her way around the new house. One night she sees a fox through her window and follows it, entering a “magical” garden just beyond the fence.

So far, so good; I could relate with Tilly going through the same experience as is moving home. But I couldn’t fully understand the intention of her seeing the fox and then Helen, the mysterious young girl who supposedly lived next door.

When I started reading the book, I thought Tilly was indeed in a magical garden where Helen was some sort of fairy – perhaps I read too much fantasy – and that they were a way for her to open up and impede her sorrow to grow. As her mother was always in bed due to her pregnancy, Tilly didn’t have anyone to turn to so she “created” this garden where everything was magical and this friend happened to be the image of the previous owner of the house. For me, all this“imaginary” was a way for Tilly to be free and herself, to forget her problems and sadness and just be a child. However, the way everything ended was a bit rushed – Tilly finds makes a friend, her mother has the baby and is well and the garden was sold and is being organized. It was just too fast without any sort of explanation which a kid might find hard to understand.

If the story was a bit longer with some sort of way to explain Helen, the fox and all the “magical” things in Tilly’s mind, perhaps I would have given this 3,5/4 stars. Since there wasn’t any sort of explanation and it ended abruptly – felt like that to me – I’m giving it 3 stars just because it was beautifully written and the pictures were lovely. It’s a lovely story for children with a dark twist waving in its lines.

[Laura Zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tilly's Moonlight Garden came to me for free via a Goodreads drawing, which I entered because it looked like a good book for young girls to read. Although I have not read it in its entirety, I have skimmed through it. Just looking at the cover, my 7-year-old exclaimed that she would like to read it.

This is a gentle story of a young girl coming to terms with changes in her life. Tilly encounters things in this book that, although frightening at first, become less frightening and even welcome in her life. She learns about herself and life through her explorations but there's also a real side of the story, the story of her parents' problems (as seen by a child), that keeps the story from being cloyingly fantasy-filled.

I will update this review with comments from the 7-year-old crowd after she has read the book. I think it will be one that she will enjoy reading.

Update: After reading the first three chapters, my 7-year-old declared she wasn't interested in reading any more of the book. She didn't really explain why, just that she didn't want to. Her sister, 13, did read the entire book but didn't seem to have gotten much from it. I suspect that's at least partially because of her age group, as she said she felt it was a book written for much younger readers. When pressed for details she said she didn't really understand what happened in the book. Again, I wonder if that is because she skimmed through the book, thinking it was written for a much younger audience. Perhaps there is an in-between age that would enjoy the book more and give better feedback--I'm afraid I can't offer much detailed or positive feedback from the sampling of readers in my household.

[Doug Lewars · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** Possible Spoilers ***

This is a children's book so I gave it a rating of three because, while I didn't care for it, it wasn't written for me. I'm not certain whether it's good or bad.

It certainly seems consistent with modern children's literature so that's something to consider. I think this book would be very appealing to parents. I have some doubts about its appeal for children. The children I know like a bit more spice to their stories. This author keeps the tension level very low. There is some, but overall it seemed quite bland. Frankly I think what children like, and what adults believe is good for them are two radically different things. If you're a parent, go for it. If you're a child, you're not likely reading reviews on Goodreads so it doesn't matter.

Having discussed the book, I'd like to point out this book is very useful for authors and not just authors of children's literature. Study it carefully scene by scene. The author provides a Master Class in how to put a story together. While I can't recommend it for children, I can recommend it for authors.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly moves into a new house with her mom and dad only to discover a magical garden with a hungry fox and a mysterious girl. Will she be able to go on this magical adventure with them all while waiting for her new baby sibling to come? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good but sad fantasy book. If you enjoy these types of books, then be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a cute and imaginative girl adapting to tricky life situations. The Moonlight Garden is a magical place to escape and discover. Beautifully written and very enjoyable to read.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!

[Olive L · Rating 3 out of 5]

was a sweet book to read when i was younger

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet middle grade novel

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly is somewhat daunted by her new home--it's old, and big and strange. And even stranger, and more scary, is the fact that her mother isn't well. A new baby is on its way, and Tilly's mom must spend almost all of her time in bed...with little energy to spare for Tilly. But in the night garden Tilly finds the perfect distraction.

There is the fox, waiting to have her own cubs in a safe, moonlight den. And there in the moonlight, Tilly meets Helen, a mysterious girl who joins her in making a den of their own, a secret hiding place. Tilly only sees Helen at night...and though once she watches Helen go home to her own house, in the daylight she can't find it again.

In the meantime, worry about her mother grows, and though her father tries his best, it's not the same, and there's the horrid shyness of a new school. But Tilly's grandma comes, which is a comfort, and Tilly makes a new daylight friend, who shares her appreciation of the old dollhouse found up in the attic, a relic of the girl who lived in Tilly's house long ago. And at last it is Christmas, and the new baby comes, and the fox has her kits...and Tilly has no need for the moonlight garden anymore.

It is a book of lovely little bits of detail and description, and the moonlight garden in particular was a joy to read about (although the dollhouse was a close second). Tilly's inner turmoil and anxiety are rendered beautifully too--it's clear just how anxious she is, but the reader isn't beaten over the head with it!

I would have liked a bit more of the timeslip part of things--the magic is definitely there, but it is more a background to Tilly's reality than it is the center of the story. I wanted more about Helen! Till never has a Moment of Realization about her night-time friend, and it's never explicitly Explined just who she is, and though this is just fine, as sometimes a bit of mystery is a nice thing, and there are plent of clues, I did want a bit more. I wondered whether she was actually a ghost, but since Tilly does actually see her house, it felt more timeslipish too me--a rather particularly British type of timeslip-ness, I think, in which the connection between people in the past and present is more important than any adventures that might result.

In any event, this is a perfect one to give to a sensitive young reader, appreciative of books in which mood and description trump plot! I would have loved it when I was eight or so, and managed to enjoy it very much indeed even as a cynical grown up.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly's Moonlight Garden by Julia Green is a children's book recommended for ages nine and older. It is a story that will hit home for children and adults alike. Tilly's family moves into a new house, a large house that Tilly's mother has inherited. Tilly's father is a writer, often lost in his own work, and her mother is pregnant and ill enough that she is restricted to bed-rest. In her fears of the new home, new school, her mother's health, and becoming a big sister, Tilly is feeling a little lost. A wild fox in the garden and a mysterious girl leads Tilly to a secret garden. A new girl at school, Christmas, and family changes lead Tilly to question just what is real and help her grow.

Tilly's Moonlight Garden is a coming of age story with a strong sense of learning to accept yourself and your family for who they are. Tilly misses her best friend and feels lost in a big house and no neighbors to play with. Her parents are dealing with their own concerns, and obviously love Tilly (which she never doubts), but she is left to her own devices most of the time. Exploring the garden and house is entertaining to a young girl with a solid imagination, but Tilly craves more. It is only in her nighttime wanderings that the fox and mysterious girl make Tilly feel that she is having adventures. I connected with Tilly right away, including her fears about being made fun of for liking 'childish' things by classmates and worried that others are mocking her even when they might not be paying any attention to her at all. I often felt that same way as a child, and can only imagine that it is common. Tilly grows, makes connections, and channels her creativity in constructive and positive ways.

I recommend Tilly's Moonlight Garden to children that share any of Tilly's insecurities. Readers facing a move, illness in the family, family additions, or just spending a lot of time alone will find much in Tilly's mind and story that they can relate to. I will be looking for more by Green to add to my children's library as they grow up.

[Anna Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tilly is a little girl who is feeling lonely and left out, when her family moves to a new house away from her old friends. Also, Tilly's Mother isn't feeling well and is on bedrest for the remainder of her pregnancy with Tilly's soon-to-be baby brother or sister. Dad is always distracted and taking care of something else and Tilly is too shy at first to become friends with anyone at school. So she amuses herself playing in the hidden garden behind her new house, making friends with the fox who leads her there. Can Tilly learn to appreciate what she has and how to make the best of it with the help of a very special fox? This was not my usual read, especially upon discovering that Tilly is under the age of 10. I usually read upper middle grade and YA and wasn't expecting much from this to touch me personally. It was darker than I expected, for a book aimed at children that young. The illustrations were gorgeous and I loved that they were black and white. They sort of reminded me of the ones from my childhood, in books like Sarah, Plain and Tall and The Wizard of Oz. Being of the age that I am, I just couldn't connect with Tilly and as I never shared her apparent obsession with foxes, the magic of that eluded me as well. Probably a fun book for second and third graders, and maybe children's librarians who still posesss the magic. As for me, my magic doesn't reach back far enough anymore to be included in the target audience for this one. A sweet, if dark book but not the one for me.

VERDICT: 2.75/5 Stars

*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published October 2nd, 2012.*

[Moth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve wanted to read this book since I was young as I really enjoyed Julia Green’s ‘Sylvie & Star’. However, I think waiting and wanting to read it for so long but up expectations. But finally getting to read it, it wasn’t what I was expecting.

Tilly is working through her emotions and adjusting to the change of moving away from her home, friends and school along with her mother being unwell due to her pregnancy. After moving she goes to exploring in the garden which has a gate that leads into the forest behind the house. When she goes out at night she meets Helen who is mentioned throughout the story until Tilly has came to terms with all of the changes and her younger sibling is born. Helen says that Tilly no longer needs her and Tilly doesn’t see her again. It is implied that Helen was never actually real but doesn’t specify if she was a ghost or if Tilly was sleepwalking, I would’ve liked if this was explained in the book.

I didn’t feel like there was much mentioned about the fox overall, which I found disappointing. I would’ve expected to hear more about it considering the name is ‘Tilly’s moonlight fox’ I realised that some of the other editions are instead called ‘Tilly’s moonlight garden’ which I find is more fitting’

Throughout the book there is longer parts that felt quite slow and boring, which made me not want to continue reading and I debated just leaving it. I doubt I would’ve finished this book if I felt like I had to before I could move onto another.

It is worth noting that this is clearly aimed at a younger age range tho so children may enjoy this more then I did. Might lend this book to my younger sister and see what she thinks. (Will update if I do)

[Kellee Moye · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Think: This book was one of the quiet books with a strong, young female protagonist. The story is written beautifully and accompanied by lovely drawings. Tilly is trying to come to terms with all of the changes in her life and she ends up finding comfort in a garden that she goes to alone, becomes the most magical at night, and is only visited by a girl who disappears as soon they say goodbye. It is through this garden and Tilly's dreams that she begins to heal and feel more comfortable in her new home and with her new situation.
While reading, I had no trouble finding read-aloud sections, teachable moments, and places that could be paired with other excellent books. Tilly's story will be a great resource in the classroom and will find a home in many a children's hands.

Read Together: Grades 3 to 6

Read Alone: Grades 4 to 7

Read With: The Humming Room by Ellen Potter, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Hound Dog True by Linda Urban, Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

Snatch of Text: "Tap tap tap . . . Dad was busy in his study, typing at the laptop. Tilly listened. The taps made a sort of pattern, a rhythm, as if Dad was playing a tune instead of writing a story." (p. 25)

Mentor Text for: Point of view, Descriptive Writing/Imagery, Editing/Revising, Narrative, British Dialect, Mood

Writing Prompts: On pg. 1 & 11, the author chose to have the story told from the fox's point of view. Rewrite these scenes from Tilly's point of view imagining what you think she was doing.

Topics Covered: Moving, Dreams, Subconscious, Stress, Pregnancy

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly, having just moved with her parents to a house full of cobwebby corners and drafty rooms, is anxious about making new friends, her mother's difficult pregnancy, and the foreboding, dark garden that surrounds the house. One night, she spies a fox in the woods and follows her to a magical, moonlit place...and there she meets a mysterious girl, Helen. Coincidentally, Helen takes on the same persona as the doll that 'lives' in the dollhouse Tilly found in the attic.

Even though Tilly's father tries to take on the role of both parents, Tilly is obviously scared about her mother's delicate condition and worries about her health. Grandma comes to stay and makes things a little more normal for Tilly, but it isn't until Tilly's mom has the baby and her health returns, that Tilly feels comfortable again in making new friends and getting on with her life.

Was it only in Tilly's imagination, dreams, or during episodes of sleepwalking that she found her sanctuary in the garden with her friend, Helen...or was it real? It is only for the reader to decide. Tilly's Moonlight Garden harkens to stories such as The Secret Garden where one can find solace in the midst of chaos...a refuge, a place all-one's-own, a magical garden shut away from the scary world.

[Kitty Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: "Tilly’s Moonlight Garden”
Author: Julia Green
Published By: Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky
Age Recommended: All
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: This story is beautiful, enchanting, and worthy of a place on every bookshelf. Many books of this type seem to be written primarily for children but this one I could see all ages enjoying. Tilly’s Moonlight Garden is about a young girl yearning to find belonging in a new home, a new school, and a new environment. Her mother is sick and pregnant, her father is a writer that has little time to spend with her, and Tilly is a dreamer.
When her precious friend fox, goes missing, Tilly follows a real fox into a mysterious garden behind her home. It’s a place of wonder and beauty and so many things happen there that allow Tilly to see her world in a new light. This is a wonderful story that will delight both the young and old.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly's Moonlight Garden by Julia Green is a sweet story of a little girl who has to cope with moving to a new home while at the same time, her mother is going through a difficult pregnancy. Tilly spends much of her time exploring their home, which is old and has a lot to discover. She also plays outside and discovers the garden where she meets a couple of special friends.

The book is told through the eyes of Tilly, so all of the adult problems are only explored at her level. She is a also a girl who has to go through an experience that many have as children--moving into a new area and trying to make new friends with the kids at school. The way Tilly copes with that is to use her imagination to put around her the things that she loves. The book crosses between imagination and a little bit of childhood magic, which makes the story entertaining to children and adults alike.

*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: I'm a sucker for those 'magical-ghostly-time-traveling' stories that were popular during the 1970s. So, it's no suprise that I read the plot happily. (If those books only amused you if people were in deadly danger, or if they didn't amuse you at all, walk away now.)

However, Tilly's Moonlight Garden scores above those standard stories in its descriptions, if you like lyrical moonlit animal scenes. While it may not be, say, The Children of Green Knowe its descriptions are much more enchanting than, say, Tom's Midnight Garden or The Ghost Next Door. (Tilly is also much younger than the usual heroine.)

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly has moved to an old mansion with her father and pregnant mother. She is far from her friends and must go to a new school. She is lonely and spends most of her time exploring the garden behind her house. She meets a couple of unexpected friends and has great adventures.

This juvenile book is enchanting and so much fun to read! Tilly is dealing with so much change and finds peace in her garden. Children will fall in love with Tilly and wish they too had a garden to explore!

*I recieved this book for free through a goodreads first reads giveaway*

[RumBelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting a story about a little girl who discovers a mysterious, magical garden. That story was there, but it was buried so far under slow, dull, and often times very sad plot-lines that you really didn't want to keep reading. I think younger children, who like stories about children their own age overcoming problems and learning about themselves, would enjoy this book. If they go into in thinking it is a magical, mysterious, overwhelmingly joyful story though they might be disappointed along the way to the end.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was a wonderfully imaginative tale of Tilly- she moved to a new house, her mom is sick, she found a secret garden and a new friend. It was an engaging story of growing up- making new friends and finding "old" ones. This is a wonderful story for young girls and those of us "young at heart". I am planning to pass this along to my nieces at Christmas. I received this for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Brandy Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly's Moonlight Garden is a quick lovely read about a little girl trying to cope through some scary changes in her life. Eight year old me would have loved this book so much. It made adult me feel all nostalgic. I enjoy stories where there are gardens and old houses to explore. There isn't a lot of action. The story is just an exploration of Tilly's world and how she responds to it. I don't know how well this will go over with most kids but I enjoyed it.

[morninglightmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This subtly sweet story of a young girl in a time of transition provides a bit of magic for young middle grade readers. Tilly's character, unsure of herself in a new town and new school, is also at an "in-between" age, thinking it the time she should begin to shed some of her childhood interests and ways but not quite ready to do so. This theme is important in literature, for what better way for young readers to explore it safely than in a book?

[Ilana Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those sweet, quiet novels that makes you want to squeeze it close to your heart. My only "complaint" was that the magical element was never really explained, and the reader is left guessing. Was it supernatural? Angelic? Time travel? It looks like we'll never know. Still, fans of A Secret Garden will delight in Tilly's tale as she explores the world around her.

[Emily Boivin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was won on good reads and when i read it i was pleasenly serprised at how charmenly wounderfull it was. the charecters are well written and likeable and the the story carries you along. i am looking forward to passing it along to a yong girl in my family.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for younger kids (2-4th grade). Mild tension, a bit of a ghost story, but never scary. I feel like the whole plot about the ghost friendship is not really flushed out enough. Moving to a new school, making new freinds, having a new sibling, mom having pregnancy complications.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, charming read!

Tilly has a hard time in a new house and new school, with her mom bedridden with a fragile pregnancy. She finds solace in the garden, with a fox, a mysterious friend, and an old dollhouse. A sweet read, perfect for a girl aged 8-12.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun to read. I enjoyed the author's descriptions. I think my 9 year old grandaughter will like it, I'm going to give it to her.