Goth Moth

by Kai Lüftner, Tim Mohr (translator), Wiebke Rauers (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Music, Fiction, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Kai Lüftner is a German author of young adult and children's books, as well as a musician, composer, and director.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goth Moth is a cute story for the early elementary school crowd. It's about a shy moth named Walter who wants to be a drummer, and it would be perfect for any child who enjoys music, especially of the rock n' roll variety.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable and Walter is quite possibly the cutest bug I've ever seen. I love the little skulls on his wings – what could possibly be more moth-goth than that? The color scheme is mostly browns and other darker hues, with only Jitterbug (Walter's favorite rocker) standing out in a bright, vibrant pink.

The album covers featuring “Metallicicada,” “Iron Mantis,” “Möth Crüe,” and “Def Lepidoptera” are amusing easter eggs for the adults. I'm not exactly sure that these count as goth bands (there needs to be a “My Chemical Ro-moth” or something), but it's still a fun little detail.

The language in this one isn't too complicated, although there are some big words like “transfixed,” “percussion,” and “noiselessly” that even kids in the upper end of the age range might need help with. The text is fast-paced and rhymes, although I found the cadence of the rhyme to be questionable at times – it doesn't always flow smoothly and I stumbled over words in certain parts because there were extra (or missing) syllables that I wasn't expecting. I'm guessing this has to do with it being a translated text – I imagine it's difficult to perfectly translate rhyming German into English.

Goth Moth has a positive message, too – Walter wants to be a drummer, so he conquers his fears and makes it happen … and even gets some praise from his idol in the process!

Overall, this is a delightful book that will likely appeal to young children interested in bugs, music, and/or rhymes. The rhyming isn't always perfect, but it more than makes up for it with the wonderful illustrations and exciting text. 3.97 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing me with an advance (English) copy of this book to review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Goth Moth is a cute picture book about a little moth called Walter who's nicknamed Goth Moth because he loves to listen to and play rock music, albeit in his head and not out loud because he is very shy. One day he goes out during the daytime instead of at night and sees his favourite rock idol Jitterbug live in concert and has the most amazing time being with people just like him and joining in all the fun.
I loved the diversness of this book, and the rock band names were just hilarious. This is a story to charm and encourage those like Goth Moth who are a little different and unique and to help them see that stepping out of their comfort zones once in a while can be an amazing thing.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

*review based on an arc*

My favorite thing about this book was the art. The story was pretty cute but I don't think it really came across as very "goth" to me and the text just didn't seem to flow very well. I couldn't really tell who the target audience was supposed to be, kids or adults with a very specific interest. (The publisher emailed it to me and I accepted because I was flattered, but I'm not really sure why they sent it to me. I guess I'll shelve it as a kid's book because it's fully illustrated - in color! - but it's not really a comic book.)

[Amy ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what an adorable little story as cute as the illustrations about a moth who dreams of drumming and meeting his favorite rockstar, Jitterbug.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d totally put this one in strong rotation if I still read bedtime stories on the regular. What a blast. The story is fire rhythmic- naturally, because it’s about a drummer, and a goth one at that. Its quirk factor rivals Where The Wild Thing Are, and it’s so much fun, complete with lines kids can holler aloud along with you. Loved it and will def bring a copy to put in the next baby shower book gift box.

[Me, My Shelf, & I · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only downside of this picture book is that there's not more of it.

The story is charming and delivers exactly what it says in the synopsis, the rhyming is very cute and would be perfect to fall into the rhythm of a bedtime book, and the artwork is absolutely stunning-- full of depth and color with little jokes incorporated in the backgrounds.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great to recognize in the creative illustrations the symbols and significance of rock, and metal. It's not often I see a character like this, representing who most are shy, introverts but with a passion for music, to belong to a community that understands their language. Thank you for this diversity. Mostly it's a lesson about stepping out of one's comfort zone, giving it a chance, sharing with others passions, and doing what one loves. Super cute, I love them playing together.
Thank you, publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc.

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the first book, Jitterbug, I was excited at the opportunity to read the Goth Moth. However, I didn’t find Goth Moth to have the same dynamics. The rhyming isn’t as fun and I think that the character illustration is a bit creepy.

Not a bad picture book, but I think that some children may get a little scared by the main character. Two stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this amusing picture book, Kai Lüftner, German children’s author, musician and director, has penned the story of Walter, a bug who envisions himself as Goth Moth, a hip rock-and-roll drummer who pines after Jitterbug, a famous rock-and-roller. When he goes to see her in concert in the daytime (how daring!), Walter has a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Loved it!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and North South Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter is a drummer in his heart and in his mind he is Goth Moth. He finally gets a moment to shine at a gig with his favorite star Jitterbug. The illustrations are wonderful. This can be read as a stand along but is a sequel to Jitterbug (April 2023) which I have read. The rhyming works but as I mentioned in my review of the Jitterbug some of the words may need explaining to younger readers. The book is translated from German which may influence the word choice. (3.5 Stars)

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the younguns who lean towards darker tales, Goth Moth has plenty of creepy illustrations to keep you fascinated and a surprisingly upbeat story that challenges you to follow your rockstar dreams. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this picture book! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and carry such a vibe. My kids loved the story line and that goth moth got to play at the rock show. They love getting to see the different bugs as imagined in this story. I can't wait to add a hard copy to our home library!

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What a cute book! I really enjoyed both the graphics and the story here. As a former somewhat goth, I immediately wanted this when I was sent the widget.

The graphics are a bit darker in color than a lot of our other children’s books but the images are awesome and fit the story well. I enjoyed how the colors were toned down a bit and my daughter seemed to really like it too.

I saw that the author and illustrator are both German, which I love since I’m German too. I’m definitely considering trying to get this book in both languages for my daughter. The story was fun and though sometimes the rhythm of the English translation felt a tad off, it was still really fun to read together.

[Neshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley,

This was such a cute little book. I will definitely be purchasing this for my library patrons and hopefully will create a fun activity to go with it, so I can use if for story time. I loved the illustrations and fingers crossed this becomes a series whether it is different bugs or just about Walter, absolutely adorable.

Walter is a shy moth. He prefers to hide out in his quiet attic. But a fiery passion slumbers in him . . . In his heart he is a drummer, a true “Goth Moth.” There’s just one problem: Walter has no drums, let alone a band. The moth adores the music by Jitterbug (also known as Lady B. Marie)—his idol. At one of her concerts, the unimaginable happens: the Goth Moth now finds himself on stage, in the limelight.

Kai Lüftner’s rollicking rhymes tell the story of someone who flies under the radar with daring rhythm. Wiebke Rauers prepares the stage for our shy hero in such a thrilling way that you too will become a Goth Moth fan.

Rock on with Walter the Goth Moth and Lady B. Marie the Jitterbug in these musical refrains about being yourself!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! What a wonderful book! Goth Moth (a.k.a. Walter) is a moth that wants to be a rock drummer. He ventures out to see his favorite rockstar (Jitterbug_ perform and falls in love with the experience of live rock music. There is a prequel to this book (Jitterbug) but it is not necessary to buy both books. The illustrations are fabulous and truly capture the goth motif. There are even little nuggets for the adult readers (i.e. band names changed on album covers... Moth Crue, Iron Mantis, Metallicicada) Clever as all! The rhyme flows easily and I can see small children requesting this book repeatedly.
#NetGalley

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was unique and kids are going to have a fun time reading it. The illustrations are well-designed. The story is about a goth moth who dreams of becoming a rock star like his idol. This book can teach kids not to listen to the negatives. Their dreams are worth it. They can keep going after their dreams and find people who believe in them. Most importantly they can learn to believe in themselves. I would suggest this to any parent of elementary school-aged kids.

Love Always, Catherine

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goth Moth by Kai Lüftner and illustrated by Wiebke Rauers. This is a sweet children’s book about Walter who in the book is called Goth Moth he is a bug who loves to dance and rock his dream is to meet his favorite musician and at first the music is only in his head until his wish comes true. This is a cute book with stellar rhyming and I must be honest the whole time I read this children’s book I kept thinking of Wham’s song jitterbug. I found the pictures were colorful and the story to be oh so sweet. #North-southBooks, #NetGalley, #GothMop,

[Queen Scrub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

Walter, AKA Goth Moth the Nighttime Rocker, is an adorable main character who wants to be a drummer. The story is whimsical, with a focus on following your dreams. The art is good, but more on the darker side and might not be appropriate for very young children or little ones who scare easily. Overall, it's a very cute story.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't send me a book called "Goth Moth" and not expect to immediately pick it up! Send me all the Goth Moth merch, please. Goth Moth wants to be a drummer, but he doesn't have a drum set! An opportunity to live out his dreams comes true, with one of his favorite bands! The storytelling that Luftner has created is fun, spirited, and includes lots of sounds that will keep kids engaged and excited for this introverted bug. My only note is the rhyming is a bit imperfect and the rhythm was sometimes hard to get right as I was reading it aloud. I hope that Goth Moth has more adventures in the future! Thanks to NetGalley for an early review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is seriously so flipping adorable.

Walter a very, very shy little Moth, prefers to hide away in his room. (Who doesn't?) But in the quiet place in his heart, he wants to be........a drummer.

Again, who doesn't?! Rock on, Walter!

This is so sweet. And there are so many tiny rock and roll easter eggs to find. The kid fell asleep almost before I got to page one, but we were both pretty tired, so I'll say it's not the book's fault.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute. I loved the hairstyles on all of the insects and how Goth Moth made his dream happen despite everyone around him trying to make him feel bad. He went for it and got what he wanted! He wasn’t shy to get up on that stage and do what he loved, which is a great lesson for children.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable with fantastic illustrations. A story that shows you it’s good to be unique and march to the beat of your drum.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goth Moth by Kai Luftner is an adorable story about a shy moth named Walter who longs to rock just like his idol, Jitterbug. I loved the originality of the story and illustrations, and thought that this was a completely fresh take on the universal theme of remaining true to yourself and your dreams. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for an ARC.

[donna backshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming little picture book. The translation to rhyming English is fantastic and I couldn't get enough of the artful illustrations. I want a whole series about Goth Moth and his wondrous rocking ambition.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is a kids book and not my genre to usually review but ima run out and buy this for all the kids in my LIFE because it is so DING DANG CUTE. WHO COULD SAY NO TO THAT LIL FACE? THOSE BIG OLE GLASSES? THOSE DRUMMING SKILLS?

its super cute and thanks netgalley for this lil treat.

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable! I love the art style and the rhymes were so much fun to read. My kids would love this book.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My metal loving heart was so happy to pick up this book. Absolutely adorable! Perfect for any Rock n Roll lovin' kiddo!

[A.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short picture book that a moth wants to play drums and goes to a concert and gets to play there. I understand that it's suppose to show how "goth" can have fun and show them in a story but the story didn't feel complete, Like why did the Rockstar just so happen to have an empty drummer slot and not ask Goth Moth to play with them if they had a slot open? idk it felt weird like it was just thrown in. could've done something more common and make GM meet a friend and then become pen pals or friends that hang out bc that's what the moth actually needs is friends who share his same interest.

[Christie Guillory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children will enjoy the sing-song rhyme in the story of Walter the Goth Moth. The illustrations are cute, and Walter gets to live out his dream.

[Kristin Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This was a very cute children's story. My 2nd grader and I really enjoyed the art style and she was able to read the book to me with very minimal assistance. She enjoyed the rhyming and silly rock band names. While I enjoyed that message of the book encouraged her to be who she is, even if that person is a little different. Loved this book and we will be looking at buying a physical copy for her shelf soon.