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Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
22 days and 22:47:54
100 copies available
U.S. only
Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn’t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone – and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it’s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time?
Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Pre-Teen Fiction, Ebook (Bronze) 2019
Readers' Favorite Book Award for Holiday Fiction (Bronze) 2020
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Holiday Fiction (Second Place) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Chapter Books (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Mystery (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Middle Grade (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner New Author (Honorable Mention) 2021
Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Pre-Teen Fiction, Ebook (Bronze) 2019
Readers' Favorite Book Award for Holiday Fiction (Bronze) 2020
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Holiday Fiction (Second Place) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Chapter Books (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Mystery (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Middle Grade (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner New Author (Honorable Mention) 2021
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
307 people are currently reading
4577 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Cowan
4 books154 followersRyan Cowan grew up in a small town called Middleport, Ohio. He currently lives in Hawthorne, CA. As a teacher with almost 20 years of experience, Ryan has taught all grades from K-6th. He currently works as an educator in Los Angeles.
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal is his first children's book.
Praised by Kirkus Reviews, Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal has also won many awards:
Moonbeam Children's Book Award for Pre-Teen Fiction, eBook (Bronze) 2019
2019 Indie Diamond Book Awards Semifinalist for Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult
Readers' Favorite Book Award for Holiday Fiction (Bronze Medal Winner) 2020
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Holiday Fiction (Second Place) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Chapter Books (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Mystery (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner Middle Grade (Honorable Mention) 2021
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner New Author (Honorable Mention) 2021
Ryan has degrees and/or credentials in education from the following universities: Marshall University (BFA Music Theory), UCLA (M.Ed. Urban Education), California State University Los Angeles (Multiple Subject Teaching Credential), and California State University Dominguez Hills (Administrative Services Credential).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 28, 2021
I read this to my Intervention class, which is made up of seven 4th and 5th graders. After we finished I asked them to rate it. They results were two 4 stars and five 5 stars. These are kids that don't enjoy books or reading, so that was high praise, indeed! I enjoyed it, but felt it needed a strong editor as there was a lot of repeating of phrases. But who am I to complain if it kept my students riveted?
July 7, 2025
Eliot is struggling to keep his magic hidden from his non-magic classmates, but his teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, believes in him no matter what. Another witch-in-training arrives with even less control, and it soon becomes clear that she's in danger of becoming a device in a sinister plot by a dark wizard. Eliot's family and friends have to stick together and come up with an amazing plan if there's to be any hope of saving both the magical and non-magical worlds.
Usually when I say a book makes me cry, it's not because it was inches away from being something really special but managed to fumble on the goal line. This book is charming with a fun plot, excellent foreshadowing, and delightful characters. But it could have easily been ten times better if it had spent some time with a good copyeditor. In fact, had it spent any time with even a mediocre copyeditor, it would have seen significant improvement. And I'm not talking typos (there were a few, but they were negligible). I'm not even talking continuity errors (though these were slightly more irritating). I'm talking style. This book was rife with wordiness, redundancy, overexplanation, and basically every other way of stuffing more words into a sentence without actually adding new information (yes, this sentence is trying to be ironic). I realize that I've been practicing for 17 years to spot ineffective sentences, but "he thought silently to himself in his head"??? Really? Really??? Correct me if I'm wrong, but most people assume when you say "he thought," you don't mean "he thought loudly outside of his head to other people." You can just say "he thought"! I wish this were the worst example. It makes my poor heart ache because this book has such a beautiful creative heart, but it's buried under layers of amateur and sloppy writing. I just want to fix it ...
Usually when I say a book makes me cry, it's not because it was inches away from being something really special but managed to fumble on the goal line. This book is charming with a fun plot, excellent foreshadowing, and delightful characters. But it could have easily been ten times better if it had spent some time with a good copyeditor. In fact, had it spent any time with even a mediocre copyeditor, it would have seen significant improvement. And I'm not talking typos (there were a few, but they were negligible). I'm not even talking continuity errors (though these were slightly more irritating). I'm talking style. This book was rife with wordiness, redundancy, overexplanation, and basically every other way of stuffing more words into a sentence without actually adding new information (yes, this sentence is trying to be ironic). I realize that I've been practicing for 17 years to spot ineffective sentences, but "he thought silently to himself in his head"??? Really? Really??? Correct me if I'm wrong, but most people assume when you say "he thought," you don't mean "he thought loudly outside of his head to other people." You can just say "he thought"! I wish this were the worst example. It makes my poor heart ache because this book has such a beautiful creative heart, but it's buried under layers of amateur and sloppy writing. I just want to fix it ...
November 1, 2023
I'll get the formalities out of the way first. This book needs to be re-edited; badly. The errors are obvious enough that even an amatuer editor would have spotted them easily; yet whoever edited this book left them there. The errors do impede reading speed; but not too badly.
Errors aside, this is a great story for tweens about magic, friendship, hope, and faith, that's just perfect for the spookiest time of the year. Would I add this to my yearly Halloween list? Not unless it was cleaned up a bit. I do think that given to a decent editor this book can be something great, as it is now though, while the potential is there, it just doesn't shine bright enough.
I give this book 3 of 5 Paws
Errors aside, this is a great story for tweens about magic, friendship, hope, and faith, that's just perfect for the spookiest time of the year. Would I add this to my yearly Halloween list? Not unless it was cleaned up a bit. I do think that given to a decent editor this book can be something great, as it is now though, while the potential is there, it just doesn't shine bright enough.
I give this book 3 of 5 Paws
November 13, 2024
Excellent story and I loved how there were big words throughout.
In chapters 18 and 19 they talk about death and destruction. It wasn't too bad except when talking about the lifeless mermaid bodies sinking to their graves.. I thought that was a little dark for a children's book.
But besides that, it was a great book. I loved reading this to my son for the spooky month. I would love to see you more adventures of Mr. Moonbeam and Elliott.
In chapters 18 and 19 they talk about death and destruction. It wasn't too bad except when talking about the lifeless mermaid bodies sinking to their graves.. I thought that was a little dark for a children's book.
But besides that, it was a great book. I loved reading this to my son for the spooky month. I would love to see you more adventures of Mr. Moonbeam and Elliott.
August 16, 2022
This is a fantastical romp aimed at younger readers, complete with witches, wizards, spells and a fight between good and evil. This text would have benefitted from some serious copy editing and a less meandering storyline, but it is a well-intentioned book, nevertheless.
September 17, 2020
Great
Wonderful book. Great for younger readers. Keeps you wanting to finish even when you are tired. I can't recommend enough
Wonderful book. Great for younger readers. Keeps you wanting to finish even when you are tired. I can't recommend enough
October 23, 2022
A decent little read for pre-teens. However, I would prefer if it weren’t quite so Harry Potter Jr-ish.
January 22, 2023
This was interesting!
October 31, 2025
Accidentally read a YA book lol
October 18, 2024
Just in time for Halloween - join Elliott, his parents, and his favorite teacher Mr. Moonbeam on an adventure to save the realm of Moonstone. Many children can’t imagine the adults they see everyday as having more to their lives than just their roles as parents or teachers. Elliott has a bit of that mentality at the start of the story, but he learns the true value of their assignment to live in the human world and keep their magical nature secret to safeguard both realms.
Enchantra, the ruler of Moonstone must defend her realm against the evil plans of Noir and his allies, the red and black dragons, monsters, vampires, werewolves, and other horrors. If Noir succeeds, he will seize control of Moonstone and the human world. As you might expect, the plans of the adults are not entirely successful and Elliott actually gets to travel to Moonstone and help defend the realm.
Although Elliott is the son of powerful magic users, he struggles to master his own magic. Young readers will identify with his frustration at wanting to help and having things go wrong - such as magicking a broom to clean the house before his teacher’s visit, only to have the broom smack Mr. Moonbeam on the head. He also has to deal with Sabrina, the daughter of another magic user who joins Elliott’s class and constantly makes Elliott feel inferior by showing off her own skills.
For younger middle grade readers who enjoy adventures with magic, a really wicked villain, some peer conflict, and a chance to help save the day, this is a great read for this time of year (and re-read even after Halloween is past). And there is always the possibility of another outing for the characters.
Enchantra, the ruler of Moonstone must defend her realm against the evil plans of Noir and his allies, the red and black dragons, monsters, vampires, werewolves, and other horrors. If Noir succeeds, he will seize control of Moonstone and the human world. As you might expect, the plans of the adults are not entirely successful and Elliott actually gets to travel to Moonstone and help defend the realm.
Although Elliott is the son of powerful magic users, he struggles to master his own magic. Young readers will identify with his frustration at wanting to help and having things go wrong - such as magicking a broom to clean the house before his teacher’s visit, only to have the broom smack Mr. Moonbeam on the head. He also has to deal with Sabrina, the daughter of another magic user who joins Elliott’s class and constantly makes Elliott feel inferior by showing off her own skills.
For younger middle grade readers who enjoy adventures with magic, a really wicked villain, some peer conflict, and a chance to help save the day, this is a great read for this time of year (and re-read even after Halloween is past). And there is always the possibility of another outing for the characters.
December 27, 2023
Magical Teacher
Spoiler alert:
I was enjoying this book thinking I could see myself reading it to second graders until the mermaids were getting murdered in a war. I could imagine kids in the class crying during that chapter. I stopped reading it for a while, but got back to it eventually. The language is rather simple, “whizzed” was used three times in three pages (abetter word could have been used) and “shook” should have been “nodded,” but that’s just me being picky. Overall, it was a fun, magical story about a fantastic magical teacher, his prodigy and how they saved the magical and non-magical worlds from a dark wizard.
Spoiler alert:
I was enjoying this book thinking I could see myself reading it to second graders until the mermaids were getting murdered in a war. I could imagine kids in the class crying during that chapter. I stopped reading it for a while, but got back to it eventually. The language is rather simple, “whizzed” was used three times in three pages (abetter word could have been used) and “shook” should have been “nodded,” but that’s just me being picky. Overall, it was a fun, magical story about a fantastic magical teacher, his prodigy and how they saved the magical and non-magical worlds from a dark wizard.
October 17, 2022
Cute Halloween story
Over all this is a cute Halloween story about magic and the power of friendship for young readers. I'd suggest this for elementary and early middle school aged readers. There are some errors, but they don't impede the story line. It's not a super developed plot but it's a cute and non-scary story for young readers.
Over all this is a cute Halloween story about magic and the power of friendship for young readers. I'd suggest this for elementary and early middle school aged readers. There are some errors, but they don't impede the story line. It's not a super developed plot but it's a cute and non-scary story for young readers.
May 17, 2019
Very good
Great read, very gripping and can’t wait for the next one! I highly recommend for young adults and great for getting people interested in reading.
Great read, very gripping and can’t wait for the next one! I highly recommend for young adults and great for getting people interested in reading.
October 20, 2021
Short and sweet read for Halloween
Fast paced story with enough magic. mystery and action to hold even a 3 year old's (one that loves magic and monsters) attention.
Fast paced story with enough magic. mystery and action to hold even a 3 year old's (one that loves magic and monsters) attention.
May 15, 2020
The Review
A truly engaging and magical read, author Ryan Cowan has crafted a masterful tale of magic, mythology, and wonder in this brand new fantasy-driven children’s book. The story really shines through in this tale, giving readers new mythology between the world of magic and the world of humanity that brings all of the supernatural and magical creatures of lore into the forefront.
Rather than having a human falling into the world of magic and crafting a tale of discovery, the author does a great job of exploring a cast of characters well versed in the world of magic. What really stood out however was the author’s ability to create a narrative that highlighted the in-class relationship between a teacher and a student as the teacher attempts to impart knowledge that will help the student grow into the roles they were meant to be in life.
The Verdict
This was a fast-paced, easy to read tale of supernatural entities, a clash between evil witches and good witches, and the impact magic has on two worlds as a rising witch discovers his unique abilities while a seasoned witch must find a way to stop an impending apocalypse. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of author Ryan Cowan’s “Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal” today!
A truly engaging and magical read, author Ryan Cowan has crafted a masterful tale of magic, mythology, and wonder in this brand new fantasy-driven children’s book. The story really shines through in this tale, giving readers new mythology between the world of magic and the world of humanity that brings all of the supernatural and magical creatures of lore into the forefront.
Rather than having a human falling into the world of magic and crafting a tale of discovery, the author does a great job of exploring a cast of characters well versed in the world of magic. What really stood out however was the author’s ability to create a narrative that highlighted the in-class relationship between a teacher and a student as the teacher attempts to impart knowledge that will help the student grow into the roles they were meant to be in life.
The Verdict
This was a fast-paced, easy to read tale of supernatural entities, a clash between evil witches and good witches, and the impact magic has on two worlds as a rising witch discovers his unique abilities while a seasoned witch must find a way to stop an impending apocalypse. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of author Ryan Cowan’s “Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal” today!
March 27, 2023
Fast-paced and engaging fantasy
A spellbinding fantasy story that will instantly arrest the attention of fans. This novel follows the journey of Elliott, a third-grader who doesn't know that he belongs to a secret world known as Moonstone. he lives in the non-magical world called Wolf's End. Greta and Christian are his parents who are on a mission to guard the non-magical world. When an evil witch threatens to steal The Halloween Crystal, Elliott finds himself on a journey to protect both worlds. Can he prevail against the Lord of the dark lands?
Elliott is a very likable protagonist and his teacher, Sloan Moonbeam is a tutor and guide that readers will adore. There is a sense of mystery as readers start reading the story and Elliott's journey involves a lot of self-discovery, learning, and challenges. It is interesting to watch this character develop from a seemingly ordinary boy to a hero. The novel is well-plotted and the world-building features a fantasy world that is threatened by a dark power while offering strong images of the ordinary world.
A spellbinding fantasy story that will instantly arrest the attention of fans. This novel follows the journey of Elliott, a third-grader who doesn't know that he belongs to a secret world known as Moonstone. he lives in the non-magical world called Wolf's End. Greta and Christian are his parents who are on a mission to guard the non-magical world. When an evil witch threatens to steal The Halloween Crystal, Elliott finds himself on a journey to protect both worlds. Can he prevail against the Lord of the dark lands?
Elliott is a very likable protagonist and his teacher, Sloan Moonbeam is a tutor and guide that readers will adore. There is a sense of mystery as readers start reading the story and Elliott's journey involves a lot of self-discovery, learning, and challenges. It is interesting to watch this character develop from a seemingly ordinary boy to a hero. The novel is well-plotted and the world-building features a fantasy world that is threatened by a dark power while offering strong images of the ordinary world.
November 21, 2024
Very fun Middle School chapter book read. It’s filled with all the things kids enjoy about Halloween. There are magical creatures like mermaids and dragons. There’s witches (and warlocks), ghosts, and monsters. Plus lots of valuable lessons to learn.
The amazing illustrations within, done by a 15 year old girl, are full of details that are fun to visually explore while reading the book.
Mr Moonbeam is a secret wizard 3rd grade teacher. Elliott is one of his magical students in a non magical world and soon Sabrina joins the classroom. She is from a magical world called Moonstone and she may be hiding from an evil wizard. As Elliott comes into his powers and learns cooperative skills with Sabrina their two worlds (non magical and magical) become endangered.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read.
The amazing illustrations within, done by a 15 year old girl, are full of details that are fun to visually explore while reading the book.
Mr Moonbeam is a secret wizard 3rd grade teacher. Elliott is one of his magical students in a non magical world and soon Sabrina joins the classroom. She is from a magical world called Moonstone and she may be hiding from an evil wizard. As Elliott comes into his powers and learns cooperative skills with Sabrina their two worlds (non magical and magical) become endangered.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read.
November 12, 2025
A delightful blend of fantasy and adventure for readers ages 8–12! I was impressed at how the story kept the spookiness just right for this age range—plenty of tension without being too scary.
With 31 chapters, it’s perfect for an October bedtime story countdown, and there’s even an activity/study guide for grades 3–5 available separately, making it great for classrooms or home reading programs.
This book would make a wonderful first series for young readers. I’m hoping we get to see more adventures for Elliott in the future!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and good reads for the copy of the e-book for review. All opinions expressed on my own.
With 31 chapters, it’s perfect for an October bedtime story countdown, and there’s even an activity/study guide for grades 3–5 available separately, making it great for classrooms or home reading programs.
This book would make a wonderful first series for young readers. I’m hoping we get to see more adventures for Elliott in the future!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and good reads for the copy of the e-book for review. All opinions expressed on my own.
October 14, 2024
This suspenseful story is fun mixed with mystical spookiness. I don’t believe it’s too much to scare a child. Add a healthy serving of magic coupled with friendship and you have a great storyline. The plot is well thought out and the fantasy world has been done fabulously. Elliott is our main character who grows considerably throughout the book. I wish I had a teacher like his – kids are sure to treasure Sloan Moonbeam! A great feature is the thirty-one chapters, perfect to read one a night with your littles. A seasoned editor would add another star.
November 2, 2025
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
I read this book with my 10-year-old daughter and we absolutely loved it. It kept us in our seat and we wanted to read more and more everyday. We enjoyed all of the characters and the adventures that they went on. This is definitely a wonderful book for elementary and middle school students. This was even a great book for me as an adult. I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope that there will be more stories to go along with Elliot and Mr Moonbeam.
I read this book with my 10-year-old daughter and we absolutely loved it. It kept us in our seat and we wanted to read more and more everyday. We enjoyed all of the characters and the adventures that they went on. This is definitely a wonderful book for elementary and middle school students. This was even a great book for me as an adult. I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope that there will be more stories to go along with Elliot and Mr Moonbeam.
June 1, 2024
wonderful elementary read
Elliot is in the 3rd grade and I think the book would appeal to 2nd-4th graders or for parents to read aloud. Cute Halloween fun with magic and excitement without too much scary for the age. The teacher is the support and calm that Elliot knows he can count on.
Elliot is in the 3rd grade and I think the book would appeal to 2nd-4th graders or for parents to read aloud. Cute Halloween fun with magic and excitement without too much scary for the age. The teacher is the support and calm that Elliot knows he can count on.
April 17, 2019
Great read!
A fun, adventurous chapter book that would be perfect for a read-aloud or for independent readers! A gripping story full of magical details that reminded me how much I love a good book... I hope there's a sequel!
A fun, adventurous chapter book that would be perfect for a read-aloud or for independent readers! A gripping story full of magical details that reminded me how much I love a good book... I hope there's a sequel!
October 5, 2020
Great Halloween story!
I enjoyed reading this book! I think this would be a great read for any kid that likes spooky, but not scary, stories. Looking forward to reading more stories about Mr. Moonbeam and Elliott.
I enjoyed reading this book! I think this would be a great read for any kid that likes spooky, but not scary, stories. Looking forward to reading more stories about Mr. Moonbeam and Elliott.
October 5, 2020
Mr moonbeam
The narrative was a pleasant and moved quickly The story flowed and the excitement built. A story of Halloween,magic, battles, ghosts, good and evil. A tale that traverses the gap between young and old. Enjoy
The narrative was a pleasant and moved quickly The story flowed and the excitement built. A story of Halloween,magic, battles, ghosts, good and evil. A tale that traverses the gap between young and old. Enjoy
January 17, 2023
This book is so good for young and old to read. It’s a very cute Halloween story that will have you rooting for the good guys. It’s magical and enchantingly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what else he writes in the future. I highly recommend it.
September 29, 2024
This is a great read for a school age child. It takes you on a mystical journey with mostly a classroom setting. I had seen where adults would enjoy it too, which I did, but not enough to recommend to a fellow adult.
July 30, 2025
3.5 stars
While the story is interesting and fast paced, the editing is atrocious and the writing clunky, which interrupted the flow of reading for me. Commas in random places and far too much over explaining.
For the target audience though, the story will keep their attention.
While the story is interesting and fast paced, the editing is atrocious and the writing clunky, which interrupted the flow of reading for me. Commas in random places and far too much over explaining.
For the target audience though, the story will keep their attention.
October 16, 2020
Wonderful Book
I love Halloween and this book just made it even more magical! The book had an excellent flow and very well written. I could read this again and again!
I love Halloween and this book just made it even more magical! The book had an excellent flow and very well written. I could read this again and again!
October 16, 2020
Wonderful Book!
I love Halloween and this book made it even more magical! The book had an excellent flow and very well written. I could read this again and again!
I love Halloween and this book made it even more magical! The book had an excellent flow and very well written. I could read this again and again!
November 24, 2021
This could be a next read for those into Harry Potter or possibly fans of Artemis Fowl. Some repetition in the book that could have been removed, but a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews