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Almost a Full Moon
Almost a Full Moon is a warm-hearted story of family, community, food and home. A boy and his grandmother host a gathering in their small cabin in the middle of winter. Friends travel from near and far, and some new friends even turn up. The walls of the cabin are elastic and the soup pot bottomless; all are welcome. Based on the lyrics of Hawksley Workman's song from his holiday album Almost a Full Moon, this book evokes both the cold and the coziness of a winter's night: crisp clean air, sparkling snow, the light of the moon, welcoming windows, glowing candles, family and friends. The spare text is beautifully complemented with the rich illustrations of Jensine Eckwall, a new talent to Tundra. She brings beauty and a hint of magic to Workman's evocative lyrics; together, they create a world and a night that will enchant readers of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 6, 2016
Almost a Full Moon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book, based on the author, Hawksley Workman’s song “Almost a Full Moon (Let’s Make Some Soup).” I didn’t know that when I requested it, I was looking for some potential new young children’s books, or rather children’s books that could be read to the very young and appreciated on other levels for adults, as well.
The illustrations are lovely, and have almost a fairy-tale quality to them, but with a more modern twist, they’re fanciful and beautifully illustrated by Jensine Eckwall. The story is equally charming, based on a young boy and his grandmother hosting a gathering to their tiny cabin in the wintertime, with family, friends and as they arrive the house expands to fit everyone comfortably inside.
It sounds, when read, like you’re reading lyrics, so I would recommend listening to Hawksley Workman’s song before reading this, but the song would also be a nice “follow-up” bedtime song if your little ones enjoy such things. There’s a quietness, despite the frivolity of the pictures, which seems to “belong” to the lyrics, each word precious and purposefully chosen. A reverence for all who are precious to us, and those moments we are blessed to share with them.
Pub Date: 6 September 2016
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada / Tundra Books, NetGalley and to the author, Hawksley Workman for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy for reading and review
September 27, 2016
EDIT: I've been kindly made aware that this book is based on a song written by the author from his (actually quite delightful) Christmas album. Knowing that, you can completely disregard my tirade on rhyme cadence as song lyrics don't necessarily follow the same rules. Having said that, unless someone was previously familiar with the author/song, I couldn't see them appreciating the book in the same way. Regardless, I feel comfortable adding a star to my original rating: 3.25ish stars. Original review is recorded below.
2.25ish stars.
Well, if you read my picture book reviews, you probably know that I'm a big proponent of rhyming books. They're fun to read, engaging, easy to follow and read along with, and are great for teaching phonological awareness and phonics.
However, I confess, I'm kind of a rhyming snob. The cadence of the rhyme needs to have a nice flowing rhythm when I read (even in my head, I know, I know) or else it feels awkward and unpleasant. I end up trying to put the wrong emPHAsis on the wrong syllABles to make it more fluent. It also bugs me when rhyming couplets have a different amount of syllables. Judge me if you like, and I realize that not everyone's rhymes are as exquisitely flawless as Dr. Seuss's (I totally respect a man who blatantly invents nonsense words for the sake of a good rhyme) or as effortlessly flowing as the iambic pentameter of a certain William Shakespeare, but you gotta at least make it easy on me so that if I'm reading aloud I sound good for my audience. :) In that sense, this story frustrated me.
Now that I've vented... I thought the story itself was alriiiiight. Not soup-er (hehe) engaging. I didn't really get the title of the book. Sure it's almost a full moon... that didn't really have anything to do with the story, though. I'm also not sure why the phrase "almost a full moon" was included on the first and last pages...
I did like the repeated phrase "let's make some soup 'cause the weather is turning cold" because it allows for group read-a-long and encourages recognition of high frequency words.
I liked the first couple pages of illustrations and think the cover is lovely, but I ultimately found the illustrations inconsistent, sometimes kind of amateurish. I had some issues with perspective and in more than just a "oh it's just a quirky, impressionistic picture book" kind of way. I honestly can't really see myself purchasing it for either home or classroom use.
Illustrations: 2.5
Story: 2
2.25ish stars.
Well, if you read my picture book reviews, you probably know that I'm a big proponent of rhyming books. They're fun to read, engaging, easy to follow and read along with, and are great for teaching phonological awareness and phonics.
However, I confess, I'm kind of a rhyming snob. The cadence of the rhyme needs to have a nice flowing rhythm when I read (even in my head, I know, I know) or else it feels awkward and unpleasant. I end up trying to put the wrong emPHAsis on the wrong syllABles to make it more fluent. It also bugs me when rhyming couplets have a different amount of syllables. Judge me if you like, and I realize that not everyone's rhymes are as exquisitely flawless as Dr. Seuss's (I totally respect a man who blatantly invents nonsense words for the sake of a good rhyme) or as effortlessly flowing as the iambic pentameter of a certain William Shakespeare, but you gotta at least make it easy on me so that if I'm reading aloud I sound good for my audience. :) In that sense, this story frustrated me.
Now that I've vented... I thought the story itself was alriiiiight. Not soup-er (hehe) engaging. I didn't really get the title of the book. Sure it's almost a full moon... that didn't really have anything to do with the story, though. I'm also not sure why the phrase "almost a full moon" was included on the first and last pages...
I did like the repeated phrase "let's make some soup 'cause the weather is turning cold" because it allows for group read-a-long and encourages recognition of high frequency words.
I liked the first couple pages of illustrations and think the cover is lovely, but I ultimately found the illustrations inconsistent, sometimes kind of amateurish. I had some issues with perspective and in more than just a "oh it's just a quirky, impressionistic picture book" kind of way. I honestly can't really see myself purchasing it for either home or classroom use.
Illustrations: 2.5
Story: 2
April 28, 2016
The story and the pictures in “Almost a Full Moon” were cute, but somehow they didn’t seem to mix together in just the right way. It’s still a nice little book.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2016
It's a cold and wintry night. The almost full moon reflects in the snow making everything bright. A boy and his grandma are preparing soup in their cabin to fight the cold. There are sticks to pick, a fire to light, and vegetables to cut. Lots of soup are needed, since it is going to be shared with all the people they know, and all they don't.
This picture book is based on the lyrics of a Workman's song "Almost a Full Moon" from his holiday album with the same name. The rhymed text reads fluid and effortless, and the illustrations are delicate and cozy. Beautiful bedtime story.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
This picture book is based on the lyrics of a Workman's song "Almost a Full Moon" from his holiday album with the same name. The rhymed text reads fluid and effortless, and the illustrations are delicate and cozy. Beautiful bedtime story.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
January 13, 2025
جميلة ودافئة 🌕✨️🧡
13 January 2025
13 January 2025
September 4, 2020
I am SO FRUSTRATED by this book because the art is truly gorgeous, the story is fluid and musical and touching but still has enough simple and solid details for kids to latch onto - but because the text is song lyrics and not actually a story for children, the line "No one's different and everyone's alone" is a jarring interruption.
This is one of several picture books I have finished reading, sighed, and checked the "about the author" to confirm my suspicion that it was by a musician. I like Hawksley Workman's music, a lot. But just make it "Everyone's different and nobody's alone", or if that violates the integrity of the song, leave the line out or re-write it. It's a children's picture book. Translate your work.
This is one of several picture books I have finished reading, sighed, and checked the "about the author" to confirm my suspicion that it was by a musician. I like Hawksley Workman's music, a lot. But just make it "Everyone's different and nobody's alone", or if that violates the integrity of the song, leave the line out or re-write it. It's a children's picture book. Translate your work.
April 28, 2016
This is lovely! It gave me chills. Literal goosebumps from reading this.
October 15, 2016
Charming internal and external rhymes, and beautiful illustrations.
February 9, 2017
Usually it is the illustrations that drive the story. In this book, the opposite is true. While the illustrations are lovely, the story is simply delightful. It is a soft tale of snow, soup, solidarity, and love.
Crisp snow surrounds the country house, and as a boy walks his dog and collects fire wood, his grandmother is stirring soup. As the boy helps stir the soup, his grandmother tells him the soup should be made because it is turning cold. The moon is almost full, and the candles are burning low. Outside, folk with boots, sleds, snow shoes and ponies Tgather to the home where they are welcomed with soup.
"No one is different and No one is alone." This is a tale of softness and generosity as all are gathered round the table.
It was a perfect time to read this soft book. We had a snow fall last night; it was a pretty snow fall, a snow globe type of snow fall.
Crisp snow surrounds the country house, and as a boy walks his dog and collects fire wood, his grandmother is stirring soup. As the boy helps stir the soup, his grandmother tells him the soup should be made because it is turning cold. The moon is almost full, and the candles are burning low. Outside, folk with boots, sleds, snow shoes and ponies Tgather to the home where they are welcomed with soup.
"No one is different and No one is alone." This is a tale of softness and generosity as all are gathered round the table.
It was a perfect time to read this soft book. We had a snow fall last night; it was a pretty snow fall, a snow globe type of snow fall.
February 3, 2019
The concept of this book, and its illustrations, are beautiful -- on a frosty night, a grandmother and child prepare to welcome neighbors and strangers alike with a cauldron of soup. Belonging, generosity, and the connective power of sharing food and home are warmly portrayed, as are the magical creatures that accompany some of the white protagonists' multi-racial guests.
Workman's narrative is told through the lyrics of his song by the same title, and its most tender verse is also its most disappointing. "We'll make enough to feed everyone we know / We'll make enough to feed everyone we don't" (two lines that moved me) is followed directly by "No one is different, everyone's alone." Given that this story centers around white characters, this line strikes me as the "colorblind" brand of multiculturalism that pretends that difference does not exist... a stance that obscures the normativity and "default" of whiteness. What if the line had read, "Everyone is different, no one is alone"? For readers of color, this sends a much different message.
Workman's narrative is told through the lyrics of his song by the same title, and its most tender verse is also its most disappointing. "We'll make enough to feed everyone we know / We'll make enough to feed everyone we don't" (two lines that moved me) is followed directly by "No one is different, everyone's alone." Given that this story centers around white characters, this line strikes me as the "colorblind" brand of multiculturalism that pretends that difference does not exist... a stance that obscures the normativity and "default" of whiteness. What if the line had read, "Everyone is different, no one is alone"? For readers of color, this sends a much different message.
September 29, 2018
This is a strange little book, but nonetheless I found it quite compelling. The message of the story is a good one. The illustrations match the book perfectly. I appreciated the variety of people depicted.
I read the description and looked up Workman's performance of the song on Youtube, and thought 'yes, that makes sense.' This really is a Canadian book and song. Knowing the background, it totally makes sense. We Canadians just have a way of doing things that makes sense.
I read the description and looked up Workman's performance of the song on Youtube, and thought 'yes, that makes sense.' This really is a Canadian book and song. Knowing the background, it totally makes sense. We Canadians just have a way of doing things that makes sense.
September 21, 2016
What a tender little book is Almost a Full Moon.
Written by Hawksley Workman, illustrated by Jenise Eckwall, published by Tundra Books distributed by Penguin Random House Canada, this precious, tender, wonderfully structured children's book is dedicated as says the author at the granny because she "Encouraged me to see the little bits as magical and wonderful."
There is a little boy, who, with his dog return at his granny's cabin and his granny suggests him to help her to prepare a soup because "The weather is turning cold."
It's winter and it is snowing.
This children's book is warm, for the message that wants to spread: solidarity, friendship, love, to my point of view.
Yes because the kid's granny at the end will prepare the soup for everyone else, because "Everyone feels the cold" and also "We'll make enough to feed everyone we don't."
During the short tale wonderfully illustrated, the arrival of other people, friends and neighbors and it will be a great feast with colored balloons and joy and songs and happiness because staying together the best recipe for a good life.
At the end everyone will return home, at least there is Almost a full moon :-) and...some snow but after all it's a winter-night what could we pretend?
The little kid and his dog so go to bed, happy and satisfied for the great time spent with old and new friends while the granny, lighting a candle read a book sat on his chair, relaxing her mind before to go to bed. Oh, this little children's book is superb.
Please go for this little book for your children. Present to them a dream of the life as it should be and as it was and still it is in some corner of the world, plenty of solidarity, love for neighbors and friends and also for strangers.
It's a great gift for Christmas as well!
I thank NetGalley for this book!
Written by Hawksley Workman, illustrated by Jenise Eckwall, published by Tundra Books distributed by Penguin Random House Canada, this precious, tender, wonderfully structured children's book is dedicated as says the author at the granny because she "Encouraged me to see the little bits as magical and wonderful."
There is a little boy, who, with his dog return at his granny's cabin and his granny suggests him to help her to prepare a soup because "The weather is turning cold."
It's winter and it is snowing.
This children's book is warm, for the message that wants to spread: solidarity, friendship, love, to my point of view.
Yes because the kid's granny at the end will prepare the soup for everyone else, because "Everyone feels the cold" and also "We'll make enough to feed everyone we don't."
During the short tale wonderfully illustrated, the arrival of other people, friends and neighbors and it will be a great feast with colored balloons and joy and songs and happiness because staying together the best recipe for a good life.
At the end everyone will return home, at least there is Almost a full moon :-) and...some snow but after all it's a winter-night what could we pretend?
The little kid and his dog so go to bed, happy and satisfied for the great time spent with old and new friends while the granny, lighting a candle read a book sat on his chair, relaxing her mind before to go to bed. Oh, this little children's book is superb.
Please go for this little book for your children. Present to them a dream of the life as it should be and as it was and still it is in some corner of the world, plenty of solidarity, love for neighbors and friends and also for strangers.
It's a great gift for Christmas as well!
I thank NetGalley for this book!
April 29, 2016
Almost a Full Moon tells its story mostly through images with the words as a lyrical accompaniment. The images depict a grandmother and grandson preparing a meal to share with their friends and family. The themes explore the depths of community, friendship, and sharing.
There is an element of anticipation that builds with the repetition of the words, that preparing for an event is as wonderful as the event itself. Memories are shared and created in these moments.
I enjoyed the book more each time I read it, I became more familiar with how to read the words lyrically and make them sound just right.
My young children (2 and 4) both enjoyed the book, my 4 year old enjoyed imaging who all the guests were and where they came from. I love a book that can spark her imagination.
The lyrical words and the themes reminded me quite a lot of All The World, a family favorite at my house.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
There is an element of anticipation that builds with the repetition of the words, that preparing for an event is as wonderful as the event itself. Memories are shared and created in these moments.
I enjoyed the book more each time I read it, I became more familiar with how to read the words lyrically and make them sound just right.
My young children (2 and 4) both enjoyed the book, my 4 year old enjoyed imaging who all the guests were and where they came from. I love a book that can spark her imagination.
The lyrical words and the themes reminded me quite a lot of All The World, a family favorite at my house.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
September 9, 2016
I think it's almost unfair for me to rate/review this, because I've been a ridiculous nerdy fan of Hawksley Workman's for nearly 17 years. To me, he can do no wrong. Everything he does is genuine and heavy with emotion, and regardless of how simple it may seem to someone, it's always something that I'm in awe of. Everyone seems to have "that" person that they admire and appreciate for what they give to the world, and Hawksley is definitely that person for me.
May 4, 2016
Lovely illustrated book about a grandson and grandmother making soup for everyone in the surrounding area. All are welcome to their home. The lyrics used for this story feel disjointed from the actual story trying to be told. Could have just been a picture book in my opinion.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2018
I’m not familiar with the song and I don’t think it really works as a story. Not sure how interested little kids are in soup. The illustrations are lovely though and have an old fairy tale vibe to them.
November 1, 2016
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations in this book are what propels it to a charming story to share with children. I think this book is best understood if it’s read aloud to children in a group setting and/or one-on-one with a parent and child. It really needs an adult (or great storyteller) to bring the story to life, otherwise it could read flat like you are reciting the lyrics to a song (which is essentially what this book’s text is based on). I would also suggest playing the song and singing/reading along with the book if possible to really set the mood and drive home the meaning of this story about coming together with friends and family.
The illustrations in this book are what propels it to a charming story to share with children. I think this book is best understood if it’s read aloud to children in a group setting and/or one-on-one with a parent and child. It really needs an adult (or great storyteller) to bring the story to life, otherwise it could read flat like you are reciting the lyrics to a song (which is essentially what this book’s text is based on). I would also suggest playing the song and singing/reading along with the book if possible to really set the mood and drive home the meaning of this story about coming together with friends and family.
November 21, 2022
I know it was a song and its lyrics that inspired this book and its illustrations but it is in the illustrations where it really shines. They made me want to visit this charming, seemingly magical cabin with its aura of warmth and welcome. They made me long for the stories of each of the characters contained in its pictures, where they came from, and where they're going. Dear Jensine Eckwall, I would love for you to illustrate more children's books and for you to incorporate their stories. :)
The illustrations have a diverse cast of different races and varied types of people (some look prim and proper and another is a wild child accompanied by animals, another is a traveling musician, and others are, perhaps, traders).
The illustrations have a diverse cast of different races and varied types of people (some look prim and proper and another is a wild child accompanied by animals, another is a traveling musician, and others are, perhaps, traders).
May 12, 2017
This is a debut book for the illustrator Jensine Eckwall and I like what I see in her illustrations and look forward to seeing more of her work.
This is actually an illustrated song of remembrance and not really a story. The illustrations do a great deal to enhance the warmth and love of between relatives and neighbors who enjoyed each others company on cold winter evenings while they ate soup.
This is actually an illustrated song of remembrance and not really a story. The illustrations do a great deal to enhance the warmth and love of between relatives and neighbors who enjoyed each others company on cold winter evenings while they ate soup.
February 25, 2020
Beautifully illustrated depiction of Hawksley's song by the same name. Full of love, warmth, and inclusion, it captures the spirit of the recording perfectly. I bought a copy for myself and for my sister's children. I also used it in my English as Additional Language Class to teach some food vocabulary, then we traveled to the local public library to learn how to find a book in the catalogue and on the shelf. The students liked the story and the message it sends.
September 6, 2025
The pictures are what make this book special, giving a magical quality to a gathering of friends for a winter meal. Tiny details around the rustic cabin hint at a rich cultural heritage and the guests include a dark-skinned family with twins, a single man with a baby and wild girl with red hair who rides in on a wolf. My favorite line "No one's different and everyone's alone". Note to self as a future tiny-house-dweller on efficient use of space using cozy natural materials!)
May 16, 2017
Songs don't translate to picture books as well as one thinks they would, and this is no exception. However, Eckwall's illustrations are absolutely magical and frame the lyrics in their magical light.
June 15, 2020
Fiction fantasy-Poetry
Grades 2-6
This is a charming story to share with children during a read aloud, it nice, but still cute. Although it has delightful illustrations and nice external rhymes, I really did't like this book.
Grades 2-6
This is a charming story to share with children during a read aloud, it nice, but still cute. Although it has delightful illustrations and nice external rhymes, I really did't like this book.
December 27, 2025
a beautifully illustrated book adaptation of one of Workman's winter songs, I do love a good story about soup, but the song doesn't QUITE work in the format of a children's story the way it does as a song.
June 29, 2017
The illustrations are lovely, but the kiddo and I both deemed the "story" sub par for the evening. It put her to sleep though, so there's some silver lining to it being a bit boring.
December 25, 2017
A fine addition to a winter or community storytime. Would go great with Stone Soup.
December 26, 2017
The illustrations are beautiful while the story evokes the joy of family gatherings. Perfect for the season.
February 6, 2018
A cozy book with beautiful illustrations.
January 31, 2019
Sweet and folksy and cozy without being cloying. The illustrations add character and depth to the simple song about community. Highly recommended for ages 2-6, would be perfect for story time.
February 15, 2020
This book helps me appreciate winter just a wee bit more.
I'd like to crawl inside this story and join this lovely group of people, and animals, and share a bowl of soup!
I'd like to crawl inside this story and join this lovely group of people, and animals, and share a bowl of soup!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews