Nine-year-old werewolf Sam has fleas. Thanks to his sister, fleas are the least of his worries. Sam needs to find the cure to his embarrassing problem before the town's annual fair, or he will be humiliated in front of the entire werewolf community. With the help of his best friend Chris, Sam searches for cures to his hair loss problems.
Will Sam find the cure in time or forever be known as the freak of Wolves' Crossing?
Full Moon (2019) by Cyndi Cloutier is a wonderful childrens' book which is both funny and adventurous and has a good message in it too. In the book, we meet Sam who is a nine-year-old werewolf. He finds himself in a dilemma when his sister decides to play some tricks on him when he is looking for a way to get rid of his fleas.
Suddenly he has lots of hair missing and needs to recify this in time for the Wolves' Crossing, a big event where everyone will see him and he needs to be looking his best.
Enter his best friend Chris who is my favourite character. He is always there to try to help Sam out of his predictament but some of his help is not always the best or most thought out which causes some pretty funny moments.
The twists and turns in this book never stop from start to finish and each step of the way you are rooting for Sam to have his happy ending and get revenge on that sister of his.
I love the message in this book that kindness wins out in the end and how it shows how cruel bullying can be.
When I saw the author looking for reviews for this book online, I was immediately intrigued by the premise and agreed to read it. It seemed adorable to me and a much different take on werewolves than you usually see. It turns out I was right. This book is absolutely adorable and perfect for younger kids.
The best age group for this book would be somewhere between 7 to 10 years old, depending on reading levels. Sam and his best friend Chris make for an adorable pair and there's a lesson to be taught in standing by your friends when they need your help.
I could easily see this becoming a series, with each new book focusing on a new aspect of being a kid werewolf. In fact, I hope it does become one, because the only thing missing from the narrative was a sense of closure between Sam and his sister. Although it took me years to get on steady good terms with my siblings, so the constant fighting does have some verisimilitude.
Admittedly, I was cringing with all the ways the boys were trying to find a cure for the problem. But they were amusing and you could feel how dire Sam felt the situation was, even if an adult would know it's not as world-ending as he thinks. A great read for kids.
My 9 year old's review of Full Moon by Cyndi Cloutier:
Full Moon tells the story of Sam, a 9 year old werewolf with fleas. He tries EVERYTHING to get rid of them in this super cute and funny kid’s book. I especially like the werewolf forms and the family dynamics. Spoiler alert, Julie’s kind of mean. I recommend this book for kids of all ages. 5 stars!
My daughter loved this book. First book she could not put down ever. She brought it to school and read it on her lunch hour which is not like her. This was the first chapter book she ever got into and finished herself. Hopefully she keeps it up with reading on her own now. I would highly recommend this book!
Full Moon is a fun, werewolf novella that’s written for kids and definitely did its job in entertaining the kid in me. Who knew that werewolves—the real ones that turn into wolves but bigger—can be equal parts cute and hilarious one moment, then brave and fierce the next?
This book teaches kids (and kids at heart) the value of friendship and courage, and shows instances of when it’s necessary to humble one’s self and when to stand up and hold your ground against the bullies in your life.
Sam James Henry’s resilience is admirable, fueled by his best bud Chris’ unwavering support, and even withstanding Chris’ often hysterical efforts to help out at each turn.
And Chris… Chris…Chris… He is the kind of supportive best friend we’d all wish we had in the scariest, most trying times of our lives, whatever age it may happen to fall on us. I cheered for them at that final showdown. These boys’ friendship, no doubt, is the best thing in this book.
One thing that didn’t really sit well with me, though, is the lack of intervention from Sam and Juliet’s parents. I didn’t feel that grounding the offending sibling for what she did was enough (sorry but that girl's seriously messed up). Moreover, it really bothers me that Mr. and Mrs. Henry didn’t even feel the need to find out what was really bothering Sam aside from the disaster that was under his cap. I was really hoping for some sort of redemption for them in the end. It didn’t come and I found the story less satisfying because of this.
Kids finding their own voice and courage is always a valuable lesson to teach. But I think, showing kids that there are and will be adults they can rely on for support is also just as valuable, especially since Sam and Juliet’s parents were there and didn’t seem like they could be negligent people. I guess giving voice to adults in stories like this may have a tendency to turn a little too preachy. But I also don’t think a little show of interest and concern could hurt.
That aside, Full Moon is a fun, funny, and inspiring middle grade book that kids can truly enjoy, relate with and learn from.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book to review from Reedsy Discovery.
I usually like to read books with more pictures in it, but I thought I'll give it a try. If the book does not get my attention right away I usually don't continue reading it.
This book however caught my attention right away, it was light to read funny and enjoyable. I read it to my daughter as well, and when shes older I'm sure she will read it herself, now she just looks at the cute pictures.
Thanks Cyndi for an awesome book and can't wait to read more of your Books.
This book was a perfect read for an 8 year old and it’s humorous. Would definitely recommend this book for other 8 year olds. My son can’t wait to read Cindi’s new book!
Absolutely adorable story, I love that it's set in Alberta. Brother/sister dynamics are spot on 100% without a shadow of a doubt needs more illustrations. Chapters are short, great for before bedtime. Cover art is beautiful and adorable
Sam and Chris are 9 year old werewolves living in a werewolf community. Sam is bullied by his older sister and a terrible joke went wrong leaving Sam humiliated, Sam and Chris try to find a cure before the BIg Hunt. Adorable! This book is perfect to advanced 9-12 year old readers who are early fans of the genre. A werewolf family you can relate with with all the dynamics. I’d love to see a series of this stories and I think it would find a big young reader following. Getting a copy for my nephew! Enjoy!
Full Moon is an adorable story with fun adventures, a loyal friendship and hilarious misfortunes. I absolutely LOVE Sam’s energy and decision-making skills. His best friend, Chris, is the type of friend you wouldn’t mind laughing atcha. LOL The sibling rivalry plays out well and will leave you with a smile. I look forward to hearing more about what Sam is up to next.
When I told my son we had reached the final chapter, he said, "Aww, but I really loved this book." I smiled. It brings me joy that he likes books so much, even if I'm the one reading them to him. :)
Every night, we would read a few chapters, and he would beg me for at least one more. Needless to say, he thought this book was the best. He listened really closely, asked questions, laughed, and was genuinely interested in what was happening.
As a parent, I thought it was a good book, too. It was cute and well structured. The characters were well-developed and believable. I found myself giggling at the situations Sam kept getting himself into.
Definitely consider this book if you have a young reader or are still reading bedtime stories to a little one.
Just keep your eyes on your shampoo because your little ones might get some funny ideas. I know mine did. :)
A hilarious story about a werewolf whose sister decides to prank him with hair loss cream. Follow the adventure of curious, strange and hysterical concoctions used to regrow his hair back before the full moon hunt.
Full Moon was hilarious! I'm not a kid anymore, but I loved it just the same. The stunts the two werewolves pulled were insane! It had me chuckling from start to finish. I wish I'd had a werewolf book to read when I was a child.
The friendships of the two boys reminded me a lot of my own childhood friendships. The book followed a formula I recognized from other children books that I'd read and loved as a child.
The best part was what happened to Julie at the end.
I loved the werewolf culture and that it had nothing to do with non-werewolves. The little lesson at the end was sweet and not over-dramatized.
This is a fun story for kids in learning how others feel when bullied. Add in the mix of fantasy and events one can't help but smile and feel for each character. In all fairness, giving four stars is pushing it for me. I would have given three stars if not for an interesting plot. This book switches tense, and has many writing issues. A good editor would help this book rate five stars.