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All Four Quarters of the Moon
For fans of When You Trap a Tiger and A Place to Belong comes a gentle, “touching” ( Booklist , starred review) middle grade novel about love and resilience, interwoven with Chinese mythology, a Little World made completely of paper, and the ever-changing, but constant moon.
The night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing Guo remembers her life being the same. She is haunted by the magical image of a whole egg yolk suspended in the middle like the full moon. Now adapting to their new life in Australia, Peijing thinks everything is going to turn out okay as long as they all have each other, but cracks are starting to appear in the family.
Five-year-old Biju, lovable but annoying, needs Peijing to be the dependable big sister. Ah-Ma keeps forgetting who she is; Ma Ma is no longer herself and Ba Ba must adjust to a new role as a hands-on dad. Peijing has no idea how she is supposed to cope with the uncertainties of her own world while shouldering the burden of everyone else.
If her family are the four quarters of the mooncake, where does she even fit in?
The night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing Guo remembers her life being the same. She is haunted by the magical image of a whole egg yolk suspended in the middle like the full moon. Now adapting to their new life in Australia, Peijing thinks everything is going to turn out okay as long as they all have each other, but cracks are starting to appear in the family.
Five-year-old Biju, lovable but annoying, needs Peijing to be the dependable big sister. Ah-Ma keeps forgetting who she is; Ma Ma is no longer herself and Ba Ba must adjust to a new role as a hands-on dad. Peijing has no idea how she is supposed to cope with the uncertainties of her own world while shouldering the burden of everyone else.
If her family are the four quarters of the mooncake, where does she even fit in?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2022
20 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Marr
8 books420 followersShirley Marr is a multi-award winning children's and YA author and a first generation Chinese-Australian living in sunny Perth. Her titles are Fury, Preloved, Little Jiang and All Four Quarters of the Moon and the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers A Glasshouse of Stars
She describes herself as having a Western Mind and an Eastern Heart and writes in the middle where both collide. She takes milk and sugar with her tea much to the dismay of her oolong drinking friends and eats chicken feet much to the disgust of her Aussie friends. Her passion is to distil her cultural heritage through the lens of resilient young women.
She describes herself as having a Western Mind and an Eastern Heart and writes in the middle where both collide. She takes milk and sugar with her tea much to the dismay of her oolong drinking friends and eats chicken feet much to the disgust of her Aussie friends. Her passion is to distil her cultural heritage through the lens of resilient young women.
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written-by-me
May 31, 2022After writing about the sadness and grief inside of me for A Glasshouse of Stars, I wanted to take a fresh look at my own story and find something joyful. What I found was my little sister. I started remembering our childhood and what it was like, those first few years of moving to Australia. We created a paper world and we spent a lot of time immersed inside of it. The stories we would tell each other were fantastical, exaggerated, parallel stories of the real world often mixed with myth and magic, because it felt easier than talking about real things. While A Glasshouse of Stars is a personal journey, All Four Quarters of the Moon is a story for two. I invite you into this shared world. I hope you enjoy it!
As per tradition, instead of a rating or a review of my own work, here goes some fast facts. I'll add to them as I fancy.
1. This may come as a shock, but I can write in a normal Point of View, not just a weird Point of View. Trust me, I've done it before! This book is in the most traditional of them all - third person past tense :-) :-) :-)
2. This book is inspired by the sisterhood stories of the Romona by Beverly Clearly, in particular Beezus and Romona that I used to love as a child. There's just something about sister stories. I'm also a huge Disney Frozen fan. Just don't tell anyone.
3. I am a Big Sister myself with one Little Sister. There are many stories and adventures in this book that are based on real life! There are many which did not make it. Such as the two of us having bubble baths when we were very little, making puppet a show and singing Electric Blue by Icehouse. This is even too eseoteric for fiction I feel.
4. The Little World is a real thing. Occasionally I will try and KonMari my big pile of old school activity books and assignments and bits of the last surviving members of the Little World will fall out. The majority of it is gone and extinct now.
5. Don't sit too close to me in real life or else you might end up as a character in my book! My editor pointed out that all the school teachers in my book are female, maybe I should change one to a male. So I look down, see a doggo and suddenly Mr Brodie is a new character.
6. Joanna is a real girl who I lost in early primary after her family moved to the Perth hills and I never saw her again. My parents didn't encourage me to keep in touch as it was too far away and they said I would make new friends at school. I was socially awkward and shy, so I didn't make another proper friend for two years afterwards. In hindsight, now that I'm an adult, the hills are not that far after all, (I mean I went there last week to pick up a Facebook Marketplace purchase) although as an eight year old it seemed like it was on the other side of the world! I've been looking for Joanna ever since, but I've never found her. Please pass on my regards if you find her.
7. Current real world themes creep into my work like they do in the general zeitgeist-world of authors, so climate change is a theme. But as opposed to recycling, re-greening, emissions activism, conservation among a myriad of other worthy topics, my choice is ... Massive Extinction Event #Don'tLookUp #Goth
8. The two songs I listened to while writing this novel were The Moon Represents My Heart by Teresa Teng and Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys
9. There are two characters with the surname of Polonaise and Snowshoe. I have a habit of using placeholders for names and on that day I was thinking of the lyrics in Young Bride by Midlake. I never got around to changing the names, so they have made it into the final publication.
10. This book has neither a dedication or acknowledgements. Even though I have plenty of people to thank!
As per tradition, instead of a rating or a review of my own work, here goes some fast facts. I'll add to them as I fancy.
1. This may come as a shock, but I can write in a normal Point of View, not just a weird Point of View. Trust me, I've done it before! This book is in the most traditional of them all - third person past tense :-) :-) :-)
2. This book is inspired by the sisterhood stories of the Romona by Beverly Clearly, in particular Beezus and Romona that I used to love as a child. There's just something about sister stories. I'm also a huge Disney Frozen fan. Just don't tell anyone.
3. I am a Big Sister myself with one Little Sister. There are many stories and adventures in this book that are based on real life! There are many which did not make it. Such as the two of us having bubble baths when we were very little, making puppet a show and singing Electric Blue by Icehouse. This is even too eseoteric for fiction I feel.
4. The Little World is a real thing. Occasionally I will try and KonMari my big pile of old school activity books and assignments and bits of the last surviving members of the Little World will fall out. The majority of it is gone and extinct now.
5. Don't sit too close to me in real life or else you might end up as a character in my book! My editor pointed out that all the school teachers in my book are female, maybe I should change one to a male. So I look down, see a doggo and suddenly Mr Brodie is a new character.
6. Joanna is a real girl who I lost in early primary after her family moved to the Perth hills and I never saw her again. My parents didn't encourage me to keep in touch as it was too far away and they said I would make new friends at school. I was socially awkward and shy, so I didn't make another proper friend for two years afterwards. In hindsight, now that I'm an adult, the hills are not that far after all, (I mean I went there last week to pick up a Facebook Marketplace purchase) although as an eight year old it seemed like it was on the other side of the world! I've been looking for Joanna ever since, but I've never found her. Please pass on my regards if you find her.
7. Current real world themes creep into my work like they do in the general zeitgeist-world of authors, so climate change is a theme. But as opposed to recycling, re-greening, emissions activism, conservation among a myriad of other worthy topics, my choice is ... Massive Extinction Event #Don'tLookUp #Goth
8. The two songs I listened to while writing this novel were The Moon Represents My Heart by Teresa Teng and Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys
9. There are two characters with the surname of Polonaise and Snowshoe. I have a habit of using placeholders for names and on that day I was thinking of the lyrics in Young Bride by Midlake. I never got around to changing the names, so they have made it into the final publication.
10. This book has neither a dedication or acknowledgements. Even though I have plenty of people to thank!
January 22, 2023
I felt so comforted reading this book despite the harsh realities the children and the adult characters had to face. The story is so hopeful. The writing got me deeply and I just couldn’t stop reading this book 😭
July 9, 2022
You can read my *actual* review here
Literally all of my American friends: minding their own business.
Me: HAVE YOU READ SHIRLEY MARR??? SHE’S THIS INCREDIBLE AUSSIE CHILDREN’S AUTHOR. *shoves Glasshouse of Stars and All Four Quarters of the Moon at them with unbridled enthusiasm*
Anyway, this book is a beautiful ode to sisters and stories and childhood and the magic we find in seemingly mundane occurrences. Everyone should read it. Thank you. *curtsies*
Literally all of my American friends: minding their own business.
Me: HAVE YOU READ SHIRLEY MARR??? SHE’S THIS INCREDIBLE AUSSIE CHILDREN’S AUTHOR. *shoves Glasshouse of Stars and All Four Quarters of the Moon at them with unbridled enthusiasm*
Anyway, this book is a beautiful ode to sisters and stories and childhood and the magic we find in seemingly mundane occurrences. Everyone should read it. Thank you. *curtsies*
September 17, 2022
Nicely done gentle story of the conflicts between cultures and past and present and new and old. I wish so much it had been illustrated.
January 26, 2023
A sweet and moving story of family, sisterhood, friendship and culture.
November 17, 2024
'All Four Quarters of the Moon' is such a lovely and touching middle grade book.
It's about Chinese culture, traditions, and changes in obligations (concerning gender roles) as each generation progresses. There are mooncakes and mooncake-making, but not much of it. It's mainly about family - sisterhood, parents and grandparents, and about friendship, the unceasing imagination and creativity in childhood (that must never be outgrown and forgotten about), how art is never a waste of time, storytelling throughout the ages, introspections, and the bonds we form that transcend countries and cultures from all over the globe.
We are all human, we are all children of the earth.
'All Four Quarters of the Moon' by Shirley Marr is a coming-of-age story, that touches on finding yourself as you grow up and adapt to scary changes.
Anyone at any age reading this will find it helpful in healing their anxiety and depression.
No one is alone in the world, or the universe.
Eleven-year-old Peijing Guo and her five-year-old little sister Biju are adorable, realistic girls. They are beautiful, creative, and whole; full of wonder like the moon. Throughout reading I wished for the best for these out-of-place, overwhelmed and overburdened children as they move with their parents and grandmother from Singapore to Australia because of their father's new job. Peijing is especially pressured by her mother to grow up too fast as the older sister; to be a good example to the impolite, ill-mannered and rebellious Biju. But both girls are great as they are, as the mother will hopefully come to appreciate.
The entire book is a magical slice-of-life - a slice of mooncake--no, a slice of childhood. It helped me remember what it was like to be a kid, to retain innocence despite whatever happened around me; despite the mistakes of adults. I remember making things like Peijing and Biju's Little World!
It's also a real, complex, loving sister story. I rooted for the two equally.
'All Four Quarters of the Moon' deserves praise for its racial diversity, and, more meaningful and truthful of our reality still, for showcasing that no matter what race you are, our capitalist society will hate you if you are poor. It loathes poor people. This is represented through Joanna, Peijing's new friend from school in Australia, who is white, blonde and blue-eyed, but is impoverished (and from an abusive household, which thankfully she is saved from by the end of the novel), so she is ostracised by the rest of her classmates. How wonderful that Joanna has Peijing (plus little Biju) now, and their magic hollow tree they retreat into as their sanctuary.
No matter the harshness of the world, of events outside your control, books like 'All Four Quarters of the Moon' remind you there is hope, love, tenderness, gentleness, and comfort to be found. And sparks. And stars and the moon. I feel warm, dreamy, faithful, tranquil and happy thinking about it.
The book also teaches you that your family may surprise you by how complex and complicated they truly are, and they do love you unconditionally, though sadly that is not always the case.
Friendships can be unexpected life occurrences, as well.
I adore the storytelling portions before each chapter. It's where the sisters' bond is strongest and most innocent, as Biju tells her own versions of Chinese legends and folktales to Peijing. She is so sharp for a five-year-old!
I cannot recommend 'All Four Quarters of the Moon' highly enough. There may not be much about the moon and mooncakes here, plus there is a little paper Jade Rabbit of the Moon that is important to Biju that then disappears at some point near the end and isn't mentioned again. But there are young sisters, childhood, family connections and understanding, friendships and how to make them last, and stories. All within this beautiful, precious, heartwarming, emotional story.
Hope and love exist within books like it.
Not bad considering I almost quit on the second page when it pulled the "released the breath [I/she] didn't know [I/she] was holding" dealbreaker cliché.
Read it, and other magical, touching, worldly, educational, life-changing children's books like 'Safiyyah's War' and 'A Greyhound of a Girl', and the picture books 'Eyes that Kiss in the Corners', 'Suki's Kimono' and 'A Big Mooncake for Little Star' for good measure.
For measuring a big mooncake, to share with family and friends.
Final Score: 4/5
It's about Chinese culture, traditions, and changes in obligations (concerning gender roles) as each generation progresses. There are mooncakes and mooncake-making, but not much of it. It's mainly about family - sisterhood, parents and grandparents, and about friendship, the unceasing imagination and creativity in childhood (that must never be outgrown and forgotten about), how art is never a waste of time, storytelling throughout the ages, introspections, and the bonds we form that transcend countries and cultures from all over the globe.
We are all human, we are all children of the earth.
'All Four Quarters of the Moon' by Shirley Marr is a coming-of-age story, that touches on finding yourself as you grow up and adapt to scary changes.
Anyone at any age reading this will find it helpful in healing their anxiety and depression.
No one is alone in the world, or the universe.
Eleven-year-old Peijing Guo and her five-year-old little sister Biju are adorable, realistic girls. They are beautiful, creative, and whole; full of wonder like the moon. Throughout reading I wished for the best for these out-of-place, overwhelmed and overburdened children as they move with their parents and grandmother from Singapore to Australia because of their father's new job. Peijing is especially pressured by her mother to grow up too fast as the older sister; to be a good example to the impolite, ill-mannered and rebellious Biju. But both girls are great as they are, as the mother will hopefully come to appreciate.
The entire book is a magical slice-of-life - a slice of mooncake--no, a slice of childhood. It helped me remember what it was like to be a kid, to retain innocence despite whatever happened around me; despite the mistakes of adults. I remember making things like Peijing and Biju's Little World!
It's also a real, complex, loving sister story. I rooted for the two equally.
'All Four Quarters of the Moon' deserves praise for its racial diversity, and, more meaningful and truthful of our reality still, for showcasing that no matter what race you are, our capitalist society will hate you if you are poor. It loathes poor people. This is represented through Joanna, Peijing's new friend from school in Australia, who is white, blonde and blue-eyed, but is impoverished (and from an abusive household, which thankfully she is saved from by the end of the novel), so she is ostracised by the rest of her classmates. How wonderful that Joanna has Peijing (plus little Biju) now, and their magic hollow tree they retreat into as their sanctuary.
No matter the harshness of the world, of events outside your control, books like 'All Four Quarters of the Moon' remind you there is hope, love, tenderness, gentleness, and comfort to be found. And sparks. And stars and the moon. I feel warm, dreamy, faithful, tranquil and happy thinking about it.
The book also teaches you that your family may surprise you by how complex and complicated they truly are, and they do love you unconditionally, though sadly that is not always the case.
Friendships can be unexpected life occurrences, as well.
I adore the storytelling portions before each chapter. It's where the sisters' bond is strongest and most innocent, as Biju tells her own versions of Chinese legends and folktales to Peijing. She is so sharp for a five-year-old!
I cannot recommend 'All Four Quarters of the Moon' highly enough. There may not be much about the moon and mooncakes here, plus there is a little paper Jade Rabbit of the Moon that is important to Biju that then disappears at some point near the end and isn't mentioned again. But there are young sisters, childhood, family connections and understanding, friendships and how to make them last, and stories. All within this beautiful, precious, heartwarming, emotional story.
Hope and love exist within books like it.
Not bad considering I almost quit on the second page when it pulled the "released the breath [I/she] didn't know [I/she] was holding" dealbreaker cliché.
Read it, and other magical, touching, worldly, educational, life-changing children's books like 'Safiyyah's War' and 'A Greyhound of a Girl', and the picture books 'Eyes that Kiss in the Corners', 'Suki's Kimono' and 'A Big Mooncake for Little Star' for good measure.
For measuring a big mooncake, to share with family and friends.
Final Score: 4/5
July 12, 2022
"What we all should be is our favorite versions of ourselves."
I am very privileged to have been gifted this copy by the author, Shirley Marr, and even as I got to read this second (my 12 yo got his hands on it first), I am truly humbled by the reading experience. Such a moving story overflowing with feelings and many sage advices.
The novel opens with a beautiful celebration of Mid Autumn festival amid the utter shambles of moving. The Guo family is leaving the very next day, to fly over the vast ocean, away from the embrace of their big noisy family. They are moving to Australia for a better job for Ba Ba (father), better education for the girls, and a better life for all the family. I remember my own big move to Australia and all the feelings which Peijing, our protagonist, struggled with; it's big and complex and the author has caught all this perfectly in Peijing.
The Guo family is made up of some truly beautiful characters: wise Ah ma (grandmother), surprisingly involved Ba Ba (father), broken but strong Ma Ma (mother), a very good older sister (Peijing the protagonist), and a lively younger sister (Biju). They are not perfect but they are a family. While the story is told from Peijing's perspectives and we see her struggles most (especially in the big adjustment of a new country), we see many bits and pieces of the others as they face their own struggles. It makes a very poignant tale.
While I arrive in Australia a decade later than the setting in this book, the very real push & pull between cultures, past & present, adults & children still do exist. Even today, I struggle on what I should adopt or preserve and instil in my own children! This novel explored all these and more. We were shown thoughts and feelings from different characters, both children and adult. I loved this part of the story as this is an ongoing struggle, every day, and I'm so happy to be able to share something like this with my children who are so lucky to have been born and living in Australia.
In between chapters, we are given snippets of stories Biju tells Peijing. These stories are mythology based orally told which she first heard from the older generation. These stories are weaved in throughout the main plot of the novel and also in a way, are reflected in life lessons. As usual, these stories usually have moral lessons but as you hear them from a 5 year old, their take (as you know) can be quite refreshing and sometimes, enlightening. I can't help but snort laugh at some of their perspectives of these stories/morals.
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a story about a young girl. Of 2 sisters. Of everlasting friendships. Of cultures and growing up. Of the fragility and preciousness of life. But at the very centre of it, a heartwarming story of family.
My heartfelt thanks to the author for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book. All thoughts are honest & mine.
I am very privileged to have been gifted this copy by the author, Shirley Marr, and even as I got to read this second (my 12 yo got his hands on it first), I am truly humbled by the reading experience. Such a moving story overflowing with feelings and many sage advices.
The novel opens with a beautiful celebration of Mid Autumn festival amid the utter shambles of moving. The Guo family is leaving the very next day, to fly over the vast ocean, away from the embrace of their big noisy family. They are moving to Australia for a better job for Ba Ba (father), better education for the girls, and a better life for all the family. I remember my own big move to Australia and all the feelings which Peijing, our protagonist, struggled with; it's big and complex and the author has caught all this perfectly in Peijing.
The Guo family is made up of some truly beautiful characters: wise Ah ma (grandmother), surprisingly involved Ba Ba (father), broken but strong Ma Ma (mother), a very good older sister (Peijing the protagonist), and a lively younger sister (Biju). They are not perfect but they are a family. While the story is told from Peijing's perspectives and we see her struggles most (especially in the big adjustment of a new country), we see many bits and pieces of the others as they face their own struggles. It makes a very poignant tale.
While I arrive in Australia a decade later than the setting in this book, the very real push & pull between cultures, past & present, adults & children still do exist. Even today, I struggle on what I should adopt or preserve and instil in my own children! This novel explored all these and more. We were shown thoughts and feelings from different characters, both children and adult. I loved this part of the story as this is an ongoing struggle, every day, and I'm so happy to be able to share something like this with my children who are so lucky to have been born and living in Australia.
In between chapters, we are given snippets of stories Biju tells Peijing. These stories are mythology based orally told which she first heard from the older generation. These stories are weaved in throughout the main plot of the novel and also in a way, are reflected in life lessons. As usual, these stories usually have moral lessons but as you hear them from a 5 year old, their take (as you know) can be quite refreshing and sometimes, enlightening. I can't help but snort laugh at some of their perspectives of these stories/morals.
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a story about a young girl. Of 2 sisters. Of everlasting friendships. Of cultures and growing up. Of the fragility and preciousness of life. But at the very centre of it, a heartwarming story of family.
My heartfelt thanks to the author for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book. All thoughts are honest & mine.
June 19, 2023
This is a heart warming story about Guo family from Singapore who tries to settle in Australia. The story is told from Peijing‘s perspective who is the eldest daughter of the family. Peijing was 11 years old when she and her family moved to Australia because of her father’s job.
The story has wonderful characters. I personally liked the character of Peijing because I can relate to her as the eldest child. She tries to be protective about her family and especially her younger sister Biju. In the story when Peijing’s family after moving to Australia suffers from emotional disturbance, or you can say home sickness. She tries to keep them united and think positive even in the worst situation.
Next, I like the character development of all characters. Especially of Ba Ba and Ma Ma. They weren’t really good at the start of the novel, and I really hated how they were just preoccupied with their own world and they didn’t pay any emotional or psychological support for their daughters. But after Ah-Ma’s incident they really changed a lot.
If we talk about the pacing of the novel, it wasn’t boring at all. I enjoyed each and every part of the story and didn’t want to put it down. Thus no doubt the story is exciting and indulging.
In between the chapters, there are some snippets of Chinese traditional stories told from Biju’s point of view. I enjoyed them a lot. I have heard a bit of Moon Goddess Chang’e in some novels. But I enjoyed this detailed version.
This novel also describes the struggle of overseas families and how they face discrimination from some toxic people. I like this style of the novel.
This amazing title is already out. So you can grab your copies now.
The story has wonderful characters. I personally liked the character of Peijing because I can relate to her as the eldest child. She tries to be protective about her family and especially her younger sister Biju. In the story when Peijing’s family after moving to Australia suffers from emotional disturbance, or you can say home sickness. She tries to keep them united and think positive even in the worst situation.
Next, I like the character development of all characters. Especially of Ba Ba and Ma Ma. They weren’t really good at the start of the novel, and I really hated how they were just preoccupied with their own world and they didn’t pay any emotional or psychological support for their daughters. But after Ah-Ma’s incident they really changed a lot.
If we talk about the pacing of the novel, it wasn’t boring at all. I enjoyed each and every part of the story and didn’t want to put it down. Thus no doubt the story is exciting and indulging.
In between the chapters, there are some snippets of Chinese traditional stories told from Biju’s point of view. I enjoyed them a lot. I have heard a bit of Moon Goddess Chang’e in some novels. But I enjoyed this detailed version.
This novel also describes the struggle of overseas families and how they face discrimination from some toxic people. I like this style of the novel.
This amazing title is already out. So you can grab your copies now.
July 9, 2022
A steady, cozy story about two sisters who move with their parents and grandmother from Singapore to Australia. It’s a sweet story centring the touching sisterly bond between Peijing and Biju who must together navigate the move between countries, languages, and cultures.
This does deal with topics around domestic violence, as well as aging and familial obligation, but all are tackled in a sensitive and gentle way.
For readers who enjoy character driven stories featuring realistic relationships (familial and friendships), ages 8+
This does deal with topics around domestic violence, as well as aging and familial obligation, but all are tackled in a sensitive and gentle way.
For readers who enjoy character driven stories featuring realistic relationships (familial and friendships), ages 8+
February 1, 2024
you know i’m a sucker for a sister story. this was funny, heartwarming, sad, thoughtful, interesting, and not at all in an annoying voice! i loved the sisters’ storytelling as each chapter’s interlude, but i wish they were complete stories.
February 28, 2023
🌕🌑📜All Four Quarters of the Moon📜🌕🌑
2.75 Stars
Biju and Peijing are moving to Australia, taking their Little World with them. The Little World is crafted from paper drawings, creating a world that is filled with lore and magic. As the sisters adapt to new situations, their relationships change. Biju wants to use spoons and a fork instead of chopsticks, angering her mother. Their mother is embarrassed and struggles because she does not speak English. While their father is distant, he must step in and become more involved in raising the children. As their Ah Ma's (grandmother's) memories slowly start to deteriorate, Peijing will no longer be able to shield her younger sister from the truth: their grandmother is losing her memories. Peijing makes new friendships as she learns to explore her identity, as well as deal with the changes in her life.
All Four Quarters of the Moon was a heartwarming story about immigration and change. I enjoyed Shirley Marr's writing, especially the beauty and complexity of relationships. So why was this a 2.75-star read for me? While I enjoyed it to some extent, I didn't necessarily find the characters or plot to be the most memorable. So in a sense, I didn't like it, but I didn't find it okay either. I could definitely see how important the morals of the story were. Despite Peijing and Biju having an age gap, I felt a lot like Biju was the same age as Peijing. While Peijing does have a little more maturity, both sisters feel very close in age rather than very far apart.
Each relationship between Peijing and another person has something distinctive and personal that makes the relationships feel more realistic. Peijing feels the need to shield Biju from terrible things, but she doesn't realise that her sister needs to know the truth rather than painted lies. Peijing has a mother she cares for deeply, but her mother can also be harsh and overly critical. Peijing's father cares for the children but isn't as involved in raising them, causing a distance between him and the children. Peijing cares for her Ah Ma but misses the Ah Ma she was before her memories started to fade.
Joanna was a nice character to add to the cast, but she didn't feel all that memorable either. The Little World was beautiful, and it was interesting to see the world change as they grew older. While there were aspects of the story I enjoyed, other parts felt lukewarm to me. This was an overall good read, and I appreciated the lessons conveyed through a story like this!
☑️PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
2.75 Stars
Biju and Peijing are moving to Australia, taking their Little World with them. The Little World is crafted from paper drawings, creating a world that is filled with lore and magic. As the sisters adapt to new situations, their relationships change. Biju wants to use spoons and a fork instead of chopsticks, angering her mother. Their mother is embarrassed and struggles because she does not speak English. While their father is distant, he must step in and become more involved in raising the children. As their Ah Ma's (grandmother's) memories slowly start to deteriorate, Peijing will no longer be able to shield her younger sister from the truth: their grandmother is losing her memories. Peijing makes new friendships as she learns to explore her identity, as well as deal with the changes in her life.
All Four Quarters of the Moon was a heartwarming story about immigration and change. I enjoyed Shirley Marr's writing, especially the beauty and complexity of relationships. So why was this a 2.75-star read for me? While I enjoyed it to some extent, I didn't necessarily find the characters or plot to be the most memorable. So in a sense, I didn't like it, but I didn't find it okay either. I could definitely see how important the morals of the story were. Despite Peijing and Biju having an age gap, I felt a lot like Biju was the same age as Peijing. While Peijing does have a little more maturity, both sisters feel very close in age rather than very far apart.
Each relationship between Peijing and another person has something distinctive and personal that makes the relationships feel more realistic. Peijing feels the need to shield Biju from terrible things, but she doesn't realise that her sister needs to know the truth rather than painted lies. Peijing has a mother she cares for deeply, but her mother can also be harsh and overly critical. Peijing's father cares for the children but isn't as involved in raising them, causing a distance between him and the children. Peijing cares for her Ah Ma but misses the Ah Ma she was before her memories started to fade.
Joanna was a nice character to add to the cast, but she didn't feel all that memorable either. The Little World was beautiful, and it was interesting to see the world change as they grew older. While there were aspects of the story I enjoyed, other parts felt lukewarm to me. This was an overall good read, and I appreciated the lessons conveyed through a story like this!
☑️PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
July 13, 2022
Sisterly love rings loud and true with as a girl struggles to figure out her place in the world.
Peijing hopes the family's move to Australia will work out, and she tries her best to deal with the changes, but steering through a new culture, daily life, language, and people is quite the challenge. If that wasn't hard enough, Ah-Ma and Mama are mentally breaking down, which means Peijing needs to step in and help more on that end, too. Weighted down and not sure how to handle everything along with the problems at school, Peijing tries her best to figure everything out.
Note: This one does address themes such as domestic violence, dementia, and touches upon racism.
This is a read with tons of heart. Peijing, is a kind and family orientated girl, who tries her best to keep a positive outlook but often feels like she's sinking, instead. She struggles not only with the new environment and language but can't seem to find her place in school. Still, she does her best and keeps an inspiring and heart-warming attitude...even when it proves difficult, at times. Especially her relationship with her younger sister touches the heart (even when things aren't always smooth) and makes this a wonderful read about the sisterly bond.
While there are difficult issues in these pages, the author does approach them with a gentler touch and keeps it age appropriate. The troubles foreigners face are well-laid and brought across in a way, kids can relate to with scenes where embarrassment and/or frustration are palpable. Even the deterioration of Ah-Ma and Mama's problems are brought across with care.
I especially enjoyed the weave with Chinese myth and paper art as it added the right dusting of magic to keep everything from weighing down too much. There's always a sense of hope as well as a few characters, who really let the light shine in. The pacing remains steady for the most part with only a few sections, which slow a bit, and the writing style hits a younger age group well, although the sentence flow sometimes felt geared for a younger audience. Still, it's a well-done tale, easy to get lost in Peijing's world, and leaves the reader with more than a couple of tidbits for thought. I received a DRC and enjoyed experiencing Peijing's tale.
Peijing hopes the family's move to Australia will work out, and she tries her best to deal with the changes, but steering through a new culture, daily life, language, and people is quite the challenge. If that wasn't hard enough, Ah-Ma and Mama are mentally breaking down, which means Peijing needs to step in and help more on that end, too. Weighted down and not sure how to handle everything along with the problems at school, Peijing tries her best to figure everything out.
Note: This one does address themes such as domestic violence, dementia, and touches upon racism.
This is a read with tons of heart. Peijing, is a kind and family orientated girl, who tries her best to keep a positive outlook but often feels like she's sinking, instead. She struggles not only with the new environment and language but can't seem to find her place in school. Still, she does her best and keeps an inspiring and heart-warming attitude...even when it proves difficult, at times. Especially her relationship with her younger sister touches the heart (even when things aren't always smooth) and makes this a wonderful read about the sisterly bond.
While there are difficult issues in these pages, the author does approach them with a gentler touch and keeps it age appropriate. The troubles foreigners face are well-laid and brought across in a way, kids can relate to with scenes where embarrassment and/or frustration are palpable. Even the deterioration of Ah-Ma and Mama's problems are brought across with care.
I especially enjoyed the weave with Chinese myth and paper art as it added the right dusting of magic to keep everything from weighing down too much. There's always a sense of hope as well as a few characters, who really let the light shine in. The pacing remains steady for the most part with only a few sections, which slow a bit, and the writing style hits a younger age group well, although the sentence flow sometimes felt geared for a younger audience. Still, it's a well-done tale, easy to get lost in Peijing's world, and leaves the reader with more than a couple of tidbits for thought. I received a DRC and enjoyed experiencing Peijing's tale.
January 22, 2023
4.5! A lovely look into immigrant life from China to Australia. This books touches on so many difficult changes in childhood in a very accessible and comforting way - from moving, to friendship, to feeling other, to growing up, even grandparents with dementia.
This is more introspective than action, so great for those thoughtful young readers who love the real world and has a nice circular start to finish mimicking the cycle of the moon.
This is more introspective than action, so great for those thoughtful young readers who love the real world and has a nice circular start to finish mimicking the cycle of the moon.
June 28, 2023
"You just have to let the feelings guide you, Peijing," said Ah Ma. "You will never be wrong if you are true to yourself. The world—your parents included—will always tell you to be the best version of yourself. I think that is wrong! What we all should be is our favorite versions of ourselves."
March 24, 2024
A gorgeous read about family, friendship and fitting in. Possibly a read for more upper primary readers with greater maturity who can sit with a slower, deeper story.
February 13, 2023
What a heartwarming story full of real life magic, family, imagination, & resilience. Peijing had my heart from the word go in this book. She has to hold so much in, take on so much responsibility..She has to be like an adult instead of a kid. Always looking out for every one else instead of herself. Doing what her mom wants for her, & not doing what she wants to do..doesn’t even consider a future different than what her mother says it will be. She’s like a little mom to her precious little sister as well. Her protector. The “little world” they create is incredible. Each chapter begins with the sisters talking to each other, mostly the little sister telling stories told to them based from Chinese mythology. I’ve moved & had to change schools, but I can’t imagine changing COUNTRIES. Leaving everything behind, & entering, what I’m sure would feel like, a completely different world. I love the friendship made in here between Peijing & Joanna-the beauty of it. How they both helped each other in such different ways. Joanna’s story really hit deep with me. Very emotional, & my heart ached for her, & then rejoiced with her. My heart belongs to Miss Lena though. When they say teachers can be angels on earth-she’s the kind of teacher that comes to mind. What an incredible soul. The character growth development in here with EVERYONE was phenomenal. So many incredible messages throughout, with a big focus on friendship, family, & especially sisters. Also, conflicts of leaving your home country where your culture is so a part of life & the world around you, & moving to a place where you feel like an “outcast” & some ignorant people say things to make you feel even worse. You see this through Peijing’s thoughts/feelings, & through what her mother is going through. Or being told your whole life you have to do certain things for family, or do certain things a certain way per the old ways, yet you see the adults doing another. There’s even the beginnings of Alzheimer’s in here, & what that means for Peijing & her family. Such a magical heartwarming story like I said. Highly recommend. Beautiful cover by Cornelia Li too.💜
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April 27, 2022The following reviews have been shared by Penguin Random House Australia - publisher of All Four Quarters of the Moon.
'All Four Quarters of the Moon is an enchanting, touching, perfectly crafted story that will live in my heart for a very long time. A novel of family, friendship, culture, honour and identity that is both timely and timeless. I laughed and cried so many times, and felt as if my soul and my worldview were both expanding. An instant classic.' – KATE GORDON, AUTHOR OF CBCA AWARD-WINNING ASTER’S GOOD, RIGHT THINGS
'All Four Quarters of the Moon is an enchanting, touching, perfectly crafted story that will live in my heart for a very long time. A novel of family, friendship, culture, honour and identity that is both timely and timeless. I laughed and cried so many times, and felt as if my soul and my worldview were both expanding. An instant classic.' – KATE GORDON, AUTHOR OF CBCA AWARD-WINNING ASTER’S GOOD, RIGHT THINGS
November 21, 2023
"They were two similar but different stars dancing around each other, occassionally touching orbits."
I loved Peijing and Biju's story. I didn't think I had much in common with Peijing, except growing up in the 80s, but I too had Kylie Minogue's album on cassette tape. I didn't go so far as putting her on my wall...
August 23, 2022
Loved this book, beautifully written and heartfelt, definitely a must for school and public libraries
June 30, 2023
I cannot call this book historical fiction, but I think I missed the year it was based somewhere, maybe in the early 80s. Either way, it is a pretty scary prospect to be one of the first set of 'foreigners' in a school. I have been living outside my home country for almost two decades now, longer than I lived at home, but globalization is such that I can retreat into the familiar whenever I please, and people are a lot more experienced in the ways of the world than in the book.
The story does not give way to a dramatic sequence of events while maintaining a serious and emotional approach to what adjustment and change look like.
Peijing lives in Singapore at the start of the narrative. Her family of five, with their extended family, is celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival. They are to leave almost immediately after to start a brand new life with her father's new job on site. Her family is typical for the time and place, with the focus being on respect and conforming. Education is seen as a stepping stone for greater things, and art and music are not given a prime enough spot, or so Peijing feels. She is also an elder sister and ends up shouldering a lot of her younger sister's care as things start to get hard once things start to get a little fraught in their new home.
Their mother doesn't speak English and finds her ways of the world antiquated in the new world they find themselves in. Their grandmother is starting to sink into dementia and lose her way, and school is tougher for our protagonist than she imagined it would be. I found the depiction of almost everything in this book to be realistic. Peijing is struggling to stick to the ideals taught to her but feels a little taken aback at the freedom afforded to her sister as and when something changes. Change is not something she gives in to easily, even more than the adults in the book, and this makes sense given the background information we are provided. Family is still important, and the book maintains that as the foundation for everything.
It might be hard for a youngster in this time and age to imagine the newness and things discussed here as being the norm, and for that reason, I think I would love for my nieces to try this book out. It works well for both adults and children, and even if there are differences in the culture that I am used to, it felt like a very refreshing read.
The flights of fancy the sisters indulge in to spend time together is also something that can be further discussed for hidden meaning.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The story does not give way to a dramatic sequence of events while maintaining a serious and emotional approach to what adjustment and change look like.
Peijing lives in Singapore at the start of the narrative. Her family of five, with their extended family, is celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival. They are to leave almost immediately after to start a brand new life with her father's new job on site. Her family is typical for the time and place, with the focus being on respect and conforming. Education is seen as a stepping stone for greater things, and art and music are not given a prime enough spot, or so Peijing feels. She is also an elder sister and ends up shouldering a lot of her younger sister's care as things start to get hard once things start to get a little fraught in their new home.
Their mother doesn't speak English and finds her ways of the world antiquated in the new world they find themselves in. Their grandmother is starting to sink into dementia and lose her way, and school is tougher for our protagonist than she imagined it would be. I found the depiction of almost everything in this book to be realistic. Peijing is struggling to stick to the ideals taught to her but feels a little taken aback at the freedom afforded to her sister as and when something changes. Change is not something she gives in to easily, even more than the adults in the book, and this makes sense given the background information we are provided. Family is still important, and the book maintains that as the foundation for everything.
It might be hard for a youngster in this time and age to imagine the newness and things discussed here as being the norm, and for that reason, I think I would love for my nieces to try this book out. It works well for both adults and children, and even if there are differences in the culture that I am used to, it felt like a very refreshing read.
The flights of fancy the sisters indulge in to spend time together is also something that can be further discussed for hidden meaning.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
November 14, 2023
The best way to sum this up is to quote a line from one of the very last pages:
"..this wasn't just a cultural thing. This was a thing that happened to everyone. A growing up thing."
This is the story of the Guo family, who move from Singapore to Australia some time in the early 1980s, I would guestimate.
It's about adapting to a new culture. It has issues like dealing with a family member with dementia, trying to help a friend who may be suffering from parental abuse.
It includes Chinese mythology and a marvelous paper world and the inevitable cute younger sibling--though this one isn't too annoyingly cute.
But in the end "It was not about what country you lived in or what culture you grew up in. It was what was irrevocably, globally,universally right. And a family was always worth fighting for."
And that makes this book a winner.
"..this wasn't just a cultural thing. This was a thing that happened to everyone. A growing up thing."
This is the story of the Guo family, who move from Singapore to Australia some time in the early 1980s, I would guestimate.
It's about adapting to a new culture. It has issues like dealing with a family member with dementia, trying to help a friend who may be suffering from parental abuse.
It includes Chinese mythology and a marvelous paper world and the inevitable cute younger sibling--though this one isn't too annoyingly cute.
But in the end "It was not about what country you lived in or what culture you grew up in. It was what was irrevocably, globally,universally right. And a family was always worth fighting for."
And that makes this book a winner.
May 7, 2023
So, here's a thing... as a school librarian, I read a lot of children's books, and sometimes, if I have got the gist of the book and feel comfortable being able to 'sell' it to my students, I will stop reading (shhh....!)
When I started All Four Quarters of the Moon, I fully expected it to be one of those books. (This doesn't mean they are bad... it just means I need to move on!)
But, I couldn't stop reading it.
It is slow-moving and gentle, but it still had me turning the pages and fully invested in the characters... particularly Peijing and her little sister Biju (although, to be honest, it often felt like Biju was the older sister.)
The story deals with the issue of immigration and settling into a whole new country and culture. Peijing and Biju, along with their parents, and ailing grandmother, have moved from Singapore to Australia for Ba Ba's (dad's) work. All members of the family have their struggles with the move, and to add to their difficulties Ah Ma (grandma) is clearly suffering from early stages of Alzheimer's.
Slowly but surely the family start to adapt to their new life in their own ways, and one of the lovely aspects of the story is seeing Ba Ba become less work-obsessed and more relaxed around his daughters.
This is a story with heart and I hope, like me, readers can enjoy the gentle but important ride it takes you on!
When I started All Four Quarters of the Moon, I fully expected it to be one of those books. (This doesn't mean they are bad... it just means I need to move on!)
But, I couldn't stop reading it.
It is slow-moving and gentle, but it still had me turning the pages and fully invested in the characters... particularly Peijing and her little sister Biju (although, to be honest, it often felt like Biju was the older sister.)
The story deals with the issue of immigration and settling into a whole new country and culture. Peijing and Biju, along with their parents, and ailing grandmother, have moved from Singapore to Australia for Ba Ba's (dad's) work. All members of the family have their struggles with the move, and to add to their difficulties Ah Ma (grandma) is clearly suffering from early stages of Alzheimer's.
Slowly but surely the family start to adapt to their new life in their own ways, and one of the lovely aspects of the story is seeing Ba Ba become less work-obsessed and more relaxed around his daughters.
This is a story with heart and I hope, like me, readers can enjoy the gentle but important ride it takes you on!
December 18, 2022
The moon was still a thin smiling crescent. Where did the Jade Rabbit go when the moon was gone? If he was still there and looked down at her through the same window, would he think how perfect and warm her family looked from a distance, even though it was a little broken up close? Would the Jade Rabbit, so far away, really understand anyway? All sacrifices were different.
I don't think I can do this wonderful book justice, but I'll do my best. We follow Peijing and her family as they immigrate to Australia for her father's job; he has taken it specifically so that he can spend more time with his family, but at first no one is sure how they fit together in this new country with its strange traditions. They each have to learn how to relate to each other and how to act in a new world.
I love the stories woven through the narrative, and the Little World. I knew the stories presented here already, but Biju definitely puts her own spin on them! Hopefully it will lead to some readers trying to learn more about a fascinating mythology that doesn't get much attention over here.
I may have cried a little in spots reading this - the good kind of crying! I'm looking forward to sharing it with readers when it publishes.
I don't think I can do this wonderful book justice, but I'll do my best. We follow Peijing and her family as they immigrate to Australia for her father's job; he has taken it specifically so that he can spend more time with his family, but at first no one is sure how they fit together in this new country with its strange traditions. They each have to learn how to relate to each other and how to act in a new world.
I love the stories woven through the narrative, and the Little World. I knew the stories presented here already, but Biju definitely puts her own spin on them! Hopefully it will lead to some readers trying to learn more about a fascinating mythology that doesn't get much attention over here.
I may have cried a little in spots reading this - the good kind of crying! I'm looking forward to sharing it with readers when it publishes.
October 9, 2022
A delightful and heartfelt story about a Chinese family moving from Singapore to Australia. Told from the perspective of dependable big sister Peijing, interspersed with the folklore stortelling of little sister Biju, Marr expertly weaves a story of change, adaptation but also hanging on to traditions as the Peijing tackle school, cultural assimilation, loneliness and the struggle to make friends as well as supporting Biju and the adults in the family as the adult lives are equally impacted but play out in different ways. BaBa (father) graudally adots a more causal way of life and becomes part of the family household, MaMa (mother) loses her self-confidence due to lack of language and early racist encounters and withrdaws into herself and the house, and AhMa (grandmother) slips further into dementia, with her lucid moments balanced against memory loss.
Ultimately this a story about personal growth as we see Peijing gradually shed her worries and concerns to live a fulfilling and happier life. A thoroughly enjoyable read, but quite long for the intended audience of around 10 to 12 year olds.
Ultimately this a story about personal growth as we see Peijing gradually shed her worries and concerns to live a fulfilling and happier life. A thoroughly enjoyable read, but quite long for the intended audience of around 10 to 12 year olds.
November 16, 2024
The blurb on the back describes this as "a stunningly big-hearted story about sisterhood, culture, and a lost family finding their way."
I am surprised by how much I liked this. It was a very relaxed book with sweet characters battling a difficult situation - young children trying to find their way in a completely new world prompted by a sudden move from Singapore to Australia.
Peijing is being extremely brave but she is battling anxiety secretly while trying to be a good sister for young Biju although she has been struggling to find friends in the new world they inhabit.
It's enjoyable. It's about growing up; it's about finding your place in the world and accepting that which you can not necessarily change. It's about making the best of what is available to you, and somehow balancing culture, with your environment and with your lot and life.
I am surprised by how much I liked this. It was a very relaxed book with sweet characters battling a difficult situation - young children trying to find their way in a completely new world prompted by a sudden move from Singapore to Australia.
Peijing is being extremely brave but she is battling anxiety secretly while trying to be a good sister for young Biju although she has been struggling to find friends in the new world they inhabit.
It's enjoyable. It's about growing up; it's about finding your place in the world and accepting that which you can not necessarily change. It's about making the best of what is available to you, and somehow balancing culture, with your environment and with your lot and life.
March 14, 2025
3.8/5
🚨TW: suffering with dementia, mentions about being abuse
A Chinese family migrated to Australia because Dad had been offered a job there. This story is about a family is trying to get use to the culture in Australia without leaving their Chinese tradition too. Two sisters are also trying to fit in in school and also trying their best to take care of the grandmother who is struggling with dementia. Their mother doesn't know a word of English so the oldest have to help translate at times. Along the way, they met a new friend called Joanna and they became fast friends. These two sisters came out with their imaginary world they even make the whole thing out using art supplies and love to tell stories to each other. Can't spoil it too much. You will have to find out. This book is suitable for middle grade.
🚨TW: suffering with dementia, mentions about being abuse
A Chinese family migrated to Australia because Dad had been offered a job there. This story is about a family is trying to get use to the culture in Australia without leaving their Chinese tradition too. Two sisters are also trying to fit in in school and also trying their best to take care of the grandmother who is struggling with dementia. Their mother doesn't know a word of English so the oldest have to help translate at times. Along the way, they met a new friend called Joanna and they became fast friends. These two sisters came out with their imaginary world they even make the whole thing out using art supplies and love to tell stories to each other. Can't spoil it too much. You will have to find out. This book is suitable for middle grade.
August 26, 2022
Beautifully written and unspeakably heartwrenching at times but with a wonderful ending. This would make such a good movie, such clear character arcs and visual detail.
I did find Peijing too preternaturally wise but chose to let that go and accept this as an adult looking back at their childhood rather than a kid living through it at the time.
Asian-Australian children’s stories have this remarkable ability to wound me. I really need to space them out.
Has no one written an Indian-Australian children’s book? I can’t. Can I? Gah.
I did find Peijing too preternaturally wise but chose to let that go and accept this as an adult looking back at their childhood rather than a kid living through it at the time.
Asian-Australian children’s stories have this remarkable ability to wound me. I really need to space them out.
Has no one written an Indian-Australian children’s book? I can’t. Can I? Gah.
December 16, 2022
A fairly emotionally intense story about two sisters who move with their mother, father and grandmother from Singapore to Australia and experience all the culture shock, grief and perseverance that goes with a dramatic life change. In the meantime, their grandmother begins to experience dementia and it is apparent that a new friend is going through neglect and abuse at home and bullying at school. The sister bond is a true gift for both the reader and the characters themselves as they both grow into their new lives. Heavy yet hopeful.
June 29, 2023
Peijing loves stories, but her younger sister Biju is better at telling them. Peijing creates whole worlds out of paper, and both sisters love to lose themselves in this fantasy world.
The Guo family moves from Singapore to Australia, and the change challenges family values, beliefs and dynamics. Storytelling gives the girls a safe place as they find their way in the new world.
I enjoyed the rich characters and the cross-cultural insights the story provides. Migration is hard, even if the challenges are expected.
Recommended for readers ten years and older
August 26, 2024
Peijing and her little sister Biju have just moved to America with their family, but everything feels so awkward and embarrassing. As Peijing tries to comfort Biju and make her feel more comfortable, she starts to find hope in a friend called Joanna. But even though Peijing made a new friend things are still the same and sometimes the only place she can escape to is her and Biju’s little world. It is filled with animals and fields and trees and rivers galore. For the two sisters it is a safe place. Will Peijing be able to find the other 3 quarters of her moon?
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