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Finding Monkey Moon
Where could Monkey Moon be? A parent and child share a tender moment as they search the park at night for a favorite toy.
Every night at half past seven, Michael and his stuffed monkey go hippity-hop, hippity-hop, up the stairs to bed. But one night when Michael calls out for Monkey Moon, he’s not in any of his favorite places. Dad thinks he must still be at the park, so he and Michael bundle up and head outside, into the dark street, to retrace their steps. As an owl gives a soft hoot, hoot, the two pass silent swings and sleeping ducks, brushing away leaves and looking behind trees, searching the sandbox and peering into the playhouse. Will Michael ever find his beloved toy? With a lyrical narrative and lovely soft art,Finding Monkey Moon transforms a child’s familiar experience into a nighttime adventure.
Every night at half past seven, Michael and his stuffed monkey go hippity-hop, hippity-hop, up the stairs to bed. But one night when Michael calls out for Monkey Moon, he’s not in any of his favorite places. Dad thinks he must still be at the park, so he and Michael bundle up and head outside, into the dark street, to retrace their steps. As an owl gives a soft hoot, hoot, the two pass silent swings and sleeping ducks, brushing away leaves and looking behind trees, searching the sandbox and peering into the playhouse. Will Michael ever find his beloved toy? With a lyrical narrative and lovely soft art,Finding Monkey Moon transforms a child’s familiar experience into a nighttime adventure.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 21, 2016
Every night at half past seven,
Michael and Monkey Moon
went hippity-hop, hippity-hop
up the stairs to bed.
But one night Daddy and Michael can't find Monkey Moon anywhere. Daddy decides he must be at the park.
So Michael pulled on his jacket, his rain boots, and hat. He opened the back door and stepped outside into the big, dark night.
"It's all right, Monkey Moon!" he yelled. "I'm coming to get you."
Wow. I can't believe this dad is taking his three or four-year-old to the park on a pitch-black winter's night to look for a stuffed animal. My father would have been like, "You're sleeping without the stuffed animal. Go to bed."
Together they walked down the quiet street, their breath fluttering like moths in the cold air.
That's nice imagery. The boy won't stop yelling to Monkey Moon (as if Monkey Moon can hear him!) and encouraging him not to be scared, etc.
The author describes all the places Michael looks for Monkey Moon and different animals he sees (owl, hedgehog). He is sad because it seems like he will never find Monkey Moon. But then he finally does, in some bushes. (I bet Daddy was relieved.)
Look at this cutie little owl. Don't you want to snuggle it?
PLUSES:
- The illustrations are very beautiful.
- A good dad who takes his son out to look for his beloved stuffed animal. Too indulgent? You could argue either way. I thought it was sweet.
- Kind of longish-haired, bearded father who is a bit attractive.
NEUTRAL:
When reading this, I was like, "There are no hedgehogs that are native to North America... I wonder where this takes place?" I flipped to the back:
Elizabeth Pulford is the author of numerous books for young readers. Finding Monkey Moon is her first book with Candlewick Press. Born in Ontario, Canada, she now lives in New Zealand.
Oh, it takes place in New Zealand, then. That's cool.
MINUSES:
- This story is just not very funny, exciting, or even interesting. The kids let me finish, but frankly, they were bored. I loved the illustrations, but the story was lacking. The kid was rather annoying, probably disturbing the whole neighborhood with his loud calls talking to Monkey Moon and demanding Monkey Moon answer him. His poor father has to go out in the cold winter's night to go find some stuffed animal... Also, it's not a very interesting plot. It's rather boring.
It's also obvious that the four-year-old sees the Monkey as his "son" and treats it the way his father treats him - giving it rides on his shoulders, telling it not to be scared, etc. I found this a bit cloying.
Tl;dr - Rather boring. Beautiful pictures. Cute bearded father.
EDIT:
I had one of my best friends read this book. She actually made me appreciate the book more. She pointed out that
a.) SHE:"He looks like a hippie father. Hippie fathers are gentle."
ME: "A hippie. Are you sure."
SHE: "Yes, I can tell."
b.) She said that perhaps the book was made to illustrate what a park looks like at night. Children might be curious as to what a park looks like at night, and it is like an adventure.
c.) The boy is learning how to be a good father from his kind, gentle (attractive) father. The father is kind and gentle with the boy. The boy is kind and gentle to his stuffed monkey. The dad is teaching his son (inadvertently) how to be a good father.
I thought these were excellent points, so I'm editing my review to include them.
Michael and Monkey Moon
went hippity-hop, hippity-hop
up the stairs to bed.
But one night Daddy and Michael can't find Monkey Moon anywhere. Daddy decides he must be at the park.
So Michael pulled on his jacket, his rain boots, and hat. He opened the back door and stepped outside into the big, dark night.
"It's all right, Monkey Moon!" he yelled. "I'm coming to get you."
Wow. I can't believe this dad is taking his three or four-year-old to the park on a pitch-black winter's night to look for a stuffed animal. My father would have been like, "You're sleeping without the stuffed animal. Go to bed."
Together they walked down the quiet street, their breath fluttering like moths in the cold air.
That's nice imagery. The boy won't stop yelling to Monkey Moon (as if Monkey Moon can hear him!) and encouraging him not to be scared, etc.
The author describes all the places Michael looks for Monkey Moon and different animals he sees (owl, hedgehog). He is sad because it seems like he will never find Monkey Moon. But then he finally does, in some bushes. (I bet Daddy was relieved.)
Look at this cutie little owl. Don't you want to snuggle it?PLUSES:
- The illustrations are very beautiful.
- A good dad who takes his son out to look for his beloved stuffed animal. Too indulgent? You could argue either way. I thought it was sweet.
- Kind of longish-haired, bearded father who is a bit attractive.
NEUTRAL:
When reading this, I was like, "There are no hedgehogs that are native to North America... I wonder where this takes place?" I flipped to the back:
Elizabeth Pulford is the author of numerous books for young readers. Finding Monkey Moon is her first book with Candlewick Press. Born in Ontario, Canada, she now lives in New Zealand.
Oh, it takes place in New Zealand, then. That's cool.
MINUSES:
- This story is just not very funny, exciting, or even interesting. The kids let me finish, but frankly, they were bored. I loved the illustrations, but the story was lacking. The kid was rather annoying, probably disturbing the whole neighborhood with his loud calls talking to Monkey Moon and demanding Monkey Moon answer him. His poor father has to go out in the cold winter's night to go find some stuffed animal... Also, it's not a very interesting plot. It's rather boring.
It's also obvious that the four-year-old sees the Monkey as his "son" and treats it the way his father treats him - giving it rides on his shoulders, telling it not to be scared, etc. I found this a bit cloying.
Tl;dr - Rather boring. Beautiful pictures. Cute bearded father.
EDIT:
I had one of my best friends read this book. She actually made me appreciate the book more. She pointed out that
a.) SHE:"He looks like a hippie father. Hippie fathers are gentle."
ME: "A hippie. Are you sure."
SHE: "Yes, I can tell."
b.) She said that perhaps the book was made to illustrate what a park looks like at night. Children might be curious as to what a park looks like at night, and it is like an adventure.
c.) The boy is learning how to be a good father from his kind, gentle (attractive) father. The father is kind and gentle with the boy. The boy is kind and gentle to his stuffed monkey. The dad is teaching his son (inadvertently) how to be a good father.
I thought these were excellent points, so I'm editing my review to include them.
October 31, 2015
Quiet understated and reassuring, this gorgeous picture book took me by surprise. Michael has lost Monkey Moon in the park and he and his father set out on a night-trek to find the toy. "I'm here, Monkey Moon, Michael calls into the night. "Now you don't have to be frightened anymore," he tell Monkey Moon when the toy is found.
Kate Wilkinson's illustration of the dark night world are soft and luminous, revealing how different the night scene appears. Readers easily sense Michael's fear and sadness as well as his father's comforting presence. In the charming resolution, Michael repeats his father's actions and words. Lovely!
Kate Wilkinson's illustration of the dark night world are soft and luminous, revealing how different the night scene appears. Readers easily sense Michael's fear and sadness as well as his father's comforting presence. In the charming resolution, Michael repeats his father's actions and words. Lovely!
January 28, 2018
Many parents have experienced the inconsolable child who has lost a much-loved toy and, until it’s found, there’s no sleep for anyone in the household.
The author explores this scenario from the perspective of a father and his son, Michael. Pulford’s descriptive writing enhances the beauty of the night as the pair extend their search outdoors:
“...Together they walked down the quiet street,
their breath fluttering like moths in the night air...”
“...‘Monkey Moon!’
His cry carried through the darkness
and fell into the folds of quiet...”
At first, the young boy calls out reassuringly to his lost companion, confident they will find him. Although as the pair walk along, the child’s certainty falters.
Luminous, acrylic colours add depth to the night-time scenes. As dark descends the bright red of the boy’s jacket deepens to tawny shades, giving warmth to the illustrations. Torch light illuminates the deserted park where they search. The father’s protective gestures demonstrate the close bond between parent and child.
The perfect ending has a subtle repeat of the boy reflecting the actions of his father. This beautiful hardback publication takes readers on a memorable journey.
Reviewed by Jean Bennett (Bookrapt)
The author explores this scenario from the perspective of a father and his son, Michael. Pulford’s descriptive writing enhances the beauty of the night as the pair extend their search outdoors:
“...Together they walked down the quiet street,
their breath fluttering like moths in the night air...”
“...‘Monkey Moon!’
His cry carried through the darkness
and fell into the folds of quiet...”
At first, the young boy calls out reassuringly to his lost companion, confident they will find him. Although as the pair walk along, the child’s certainty falters.
Luminous, acrylic colours add depth to the night-time scenes. As dark descends the bright red of the boy’s jacket deepens to tawny shades, giving warmth to the illustrations. Torch light illuminates the deserted park where they search. The father’s protective gestures demonstrate the close bond between parent and child.
The perfect ending has a subtle repeat of the boy reflecting the actions of his father. This beautiful hardback publication takes readers on a memorable journey.
Reviewed by Jean Bennett (Bookrapt)
November 30, 2018
This was a precious story of a young boy named Michael and his Dad on a mission to find his lost best friend, Monkey Moon. Michael was determined to find him and went out on a search in the dark night. He was very scared that he would never find Monkey Moon again, but in the and he did and every thing was good again.
I really liked this story and i thought it really sweet how the little boy, Michael copied his dad at the end. I loved the determination and care the Michael had for his toy animal and he didn't want to leave him lost in the cold. I also really loved the illustrations!!
I would have this book in my classroom because i think younger kids would really enjoy it. You could use it to engage them and get them to talk about a scary time that maybe they lost their favorite toy animal. You could use it to talk about emotions and how it is okay to feel scared sometimes, but how Michael was still so determined to accomplish his goal.
I really liked this story and i thought it really sweet how the little boy, Michael copied his dad at the end. I loved the determination and care the Michael had for his toy animal and he didn't want to leave him lost in the cold. I also really loved the illustrations!!
I would have this book in my classroom because i think younger kids would really enjoy it. You could use it to engage them and get them to talk about a scary time that maybe they lost their favorite toy animal. You could use it to talk about emotions and how it is okay to feel scared sometimes, but how Michael was still so determined to accomplish his goal.
June 25, 2025
A cute tale about a young boy who loses his monkey toy at the park, and goes off into the dark with his dad to 'rescue' him, but struggles to find him until the last minute. Painted images, colourful, but dark also in mood for both the scariness of the night, and the anguish of losing a precious 'friend'. language with some poetic phrasing, suitable for readers, storyline suitable for beginners.
July 8, 2017
In this book, the kid's bedtime is at 7:30 pm. Am I expected to believe that a parent who'd enforce such an early bedtime, is the same kind of parent who'd let their kid go hiking in the snow at night, just to search for his missing doll? Makes no sense.
May 10, 2018
Something a bit disturbing about this father-son relationship, the child demanding to go out in the cold and dark—at bedtime, no less—to retrieve a stuffed toy with the father in tow, the child shouting through the quiet neighborhood, disturbing the sleeping animals, and kicking a bush in frustration as he searches. Is there a moral to this story, an admirable character?
March 1, 2023
The illustrations are beautiful, so much detail even though it's all night scenes (but not in a scary way). A story that probably is more a lesson to adults more than kids, but is a sweet story about not leaving behind a stuffed friend and going to search for them. My toddler enjoyed it.
May 18, 2017
3.5 stars
September 8, 2017
Lovely and sweet. Calm pictures to balance the rising tension and then a good resolution.
January 14, 2019
Looking for a missing toy.
July 17, 2020
Very beautiful illustrations, nice story. A boy has lost his monkey.
January 16, 2016
I think Finding Monkey Moon, by Elizabeth Pulford with illustrations by Kate Wilkinson, is a charming book perfect for reading aloud at bedtime. Clearly, the back story here is that earlier in the day, Michael took his favorite stuffed animal, Monkey Moon, to the park on an outing with his dad. Now that it's bedtime, Michael can't find Monkey Moon anywhere in the house. Together, Michael and his dad take flashlights in hand to successfully retrace their steps.
Since it's nighttime, Ms. Wilkinson's pictures are mostly dimly illuminated, so youngsters could be a bit distressed, especially if they are afraid of the dark. However, the story does a terrific job of depicting little Michael as a stouthearted boy who neither whines at the loss of his toy, nor tears up when heading out into the night. No, Michael is a determined, loyal child who will literally turn over every leaf searching for his friend. Michael's father is also a highly admirable parent, perhaps too good to be true, who never loses patience with his son for his insistence on finding Monkey Moon, and doesn't scold him for losing track of his belongings.
As written, with just the characters of father and son, this book would be a very good way for dads and boys to connect over a story at bedtime, but truly anyone would be happy to have this sweet story read to them, whenever.
Since it's nighttime, Ms. Wilkinson's pictures are mostly dimly illuminated, so youngsters could be a bit distressed, especially if they are afraid of the dark. However, the story does a terrific job of depicting little Michael as a stouthearted boy who neither whines at the loss of his toy, nor tears up when heading out into the night. No, Michael is a determined, loyal child who will literally turn over every leaf searching for his friend. Michael's father is also a highly admirable parent, perhaps too good to be true, who never loses patience with his son for his insistence on finding Monkey Moon, and doesn't scold him for losing track of his belongings.
As written, with just the characters of father and son, this book would be a very good way for dads and boys to connect over a story at bedtime, but truly anyone would be happy to have this sweet story read to them, whenever.
October 20, 2015
In this picture book from New Zealand, Michael is devastated when his beloved stuffed animal, Monkey Moon, is nowhere in sight as he prepares for bed. He and his father look everywhere for the stuffed toy, but it's growing dark, and hard for them to see. Just as Michael is ready to give up, he spots Monkey Moon, hidden in the bushes. The experience is one that is universal, and many youngsters and their caregivers will recall their own feelings when they misplaced a favorite toy. The acrylic illustrations are lovely, filled with light and colors, and a sense of contentment when Michael tenderly hoists his friend onto his shoulders in the same way that a loving father might do to his own son. This would be an engaging read aloud to remind students about the importance of taking care of the things they love. It's clear that they will be swept up in Michael's desperate search for Monkey Moon.
December 6, 2016
Pulford, Elizabeth Finding Monkey Moon Candlewick, 2015. $15.99 PICTURE BOOK
A little boy named Michael has lost his toy monkey, named Monkey Moon. His father takes him in the night back to the park to search for monkey moon.
Pre-schoolers would relate to being attached to a stuffed animal, but I think that parents would not want to push the idea that a child must have that animal above all else. I still remember my friends child screaming for hours when her bunny was lost. I don't think reinforcing that concept it a great thing. The illustrations are dark and depressing.
PRE-K –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
A little boy named Michael has lost his toy monkey, named Monkey Moon. His father takes him in the night back to the park to search for monkey moon.
Pre-schoolers would relate to being attached to a stuffed animal, but I think that parents would not want to push the idea that a child must have that animal above all else. I still remember my friends child screaming for hours when her bunny was lost. I don't think reinforcing that concept it a great thing. The illustrations are dark and depressing.
PRE-K –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
December 30, 2015
When it’s time for Michael to go to bed, he realizes that his favorite stuffed toy is missing. Dad helps him look for Monkey Moon under the couch, behind the chair, in the toy box, and all the usual places Monkey Moon might hide. Then Dad wonders if he might still be at the park. Michael and his dad take an evening walk with a flashlight looking for Monkey Moon. He’s not at the swings, in the sandbox, or behind the trees. Just as they are ready to give up, Michael spots two twinkling eyes peeking out of the bushes where Monkey Moon has been hiding. So riding on Michael’s shoulders, Monkey Moon goes hippity-hop home.
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2016
Sometimes a commonplace occurrence in the life of nearly every child does not require a picture book to be written, illustrated, edited, and published. No one's life is enriched by this book. After Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, why should the world this? And before Knuffle Bunny, certainly there were other tales of lost dolls, many of them inventive and original - this book does not improve upon those. I don't know what goes through the minds of these editors.
December 19, 2016
There is no reason to write a picture book about a common childhood experience unless the story is going to bring something new to the subject. Corduroy and Knuffle Bunny have both gone missing, and their stories endure because are clever and fresh. This book is forgettable because nothing really happens other than a long walk in the dark, followed by the discovery of the lost stuffed animal. Nothing unexpected, interesting, or creative occurs. The illustrations also have weird perspectives and made me feel like I had to strain my eyes to see them properly.
August 2, 2015
So much of our most mundane activities cease to be so when it involves a child. Whether it is because we have involved a little, growing person in our own activities, or whether it is because we are embarking on new activities with them, very little is accomplished without something special (be it chaos or wonder) coming through.
This little story of a dad and son looking for a lost stuffed monkey is without surprise or gag. It is richly illustrated and heavy on autumnal night mood.
Excellent.
This little story of a dad and son looking for a lost stuffed monkey is without surprise or gag. It is richly illustrated and heavy on autumnal night mood.
Excellent.
December 2, 2015
A story most children, and adults, can relate to: losing one's most precious stuffed animal. While this isn't a new theme or the most creative in recently published titles (think Willem's Knuffle Bunny), there is a sweetness in the story that makes this perfect for one-on-one sharing. The lovely illustrations communicate the fear experienced without becoming overwhelming. Recommended.
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November 28, 2015A quiet alternative to Knuffle Bunny, about a young boy's search for his missing stuffed animal. Parents may not appreciate that the search for Monkey Moon involves leaving home and going to the park at bedtime to find the titular stuffed animal.
January 21, 2016
Great vocabulary, gentle story with a strong emotional foundation that keeps the interest all the way through. Nice rhythm to the text and would probably be a pleasure to read out loud. Themes of nighttime, fathers, stuffed animals.
January 21, 2016
It was cute, if a bit treacly. Also, this guy is dad of the year - taking your child to a park at night, in winter, and letting him keep calling and calling for a stuffed animal makes you a champ.
I really liked the illustrations, but the story itself was a bit boring.
I really liked the illustrations, but the story itself was a bit boring.
September 26, 2015
Story of love and family
October 28, 2015
A young boy and his father search for a misplaced beloved stuffed animal. A relatable story for any child who has lost a favorite toy.
December 10, 2015
The tone of this story is flowing and the illustrations are peaceful. Some children might worry about the fate of Monkey Moon, but it has a happy ending.
May 8, 2017
Sweet story, gorgeous illustrations
Age: Preschool
ECRR: Narrative Skills, Print Motivation
Age: Preschool
ECRR: Narrative Skills, Print Motivation
June 23, 2016
At night, when Michael cannot find his favorite Monkey Moon, he heads outdoors with his father tracing his path.
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