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Nigel and the Moon
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!
Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.
But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
* A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Kids' Indie Next List Pick * A SLJ Best Book of 2022 *
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!
Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.
But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
* A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Kids' Indie Next List Pick * A SLJ Best Book of 2022 *
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
2 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Antwan Eady
4 books69 followersOriginally from Garnett, South Carolina, Antwan Eady is author of the award-winning picture book Nigel and the Moon, illustrated by Gracey Zhang.
Down the dirt roads of South Carolina’s Low Country is where Eady’s understanding of—and appreciation for—family, community, and nature unfolded. Now he shares those stories with the world. His upcoming titles include: The Last Stand, Poemhood: Our Black Revival (a Young Adult poetry anthology), The Gathering Table, Micah’s Rise, and Before the Bridge.
When he isn’t writing, he’s visiting schools, libraries, and colleges throughout the country.
A graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia.
Down the dirt roads of South Carolina’s Low Country is where Eady’s understanding of—and appreciation for—family, community, and nature unfolded. Now he shares those stories with the world. His upcoming titles include: The Last Stand, Poemhood: Our Black Revival (a Young Adult poetry anthology), The Gathering Table, Micah’s Rise, and Before the Bridge.
When he isn’t writing, he’s visiting schools, libraries, and colleges throughout the country.
A graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
February 15, 2022
Just read this and now I’m tearing up in a bookstore.
March 29, 2022
A small, black boy is not ready to tell anyone but the moon his dreams. During career week while visiting the library, Nigel looks through the books, but he can’t find anyone who looks like him in his chosen (secret) professions (dancer, super-hero, astronaut). For the rest of career week, Nigel keeps his secret from everyone except the moon. He hears his classmates excitedly telling everyone that their parents are surgeons, candy factory owners and even a “weatherman” (ed: arched eyebrow to the weatherman portion of this) and becomes ashamed of his parents, a postal delivery person and a truck driver. When his parents unexpectedly come into the classroom to talk about their careers they add that raising Nigel is the best career of all. This gives Nigel the courage to announce to the class what he wants to be when he grows up.
I get the premise of the book and it’s a good one – the author says again and again that it is great to dream and to dream big, but I had a lot of problems with the archaic language (see above) and the assuredness that a kid would be ashamed of parents that worked “blue collar” jobs. The illustrations are bold with dark black outlines holding color and expression inside but again, all the kids whose parents are surgeons, factory owners, etc are white.
I get the premise of the book and it’s a good one – the author says again and again that it is great to dream and to dream big, but I had a lot of problems with the archaic language (see above) and the assuredness that a kid would be ashamed of parents that worked “blue collar” jobs. The illustrations are bold with dark black outlines holding color and expression inside but again, all the kids whose parents are surgeons, factory owners, etc are white.
February 10, 2022
Nigel & The Moon is a book with beautiful illustrations and a beautiful message. What I appreciate most about this book is the authenticity into the mind of a Black Boy coming to terms with his dreams and ambitions despite what he believes his reality to be.
Absolutely amazing debut by Antwan Eady. I am extremely excited to see what he has in store for us in the future.
Absolutely amazing debut by Antwan Eady. I am extremely excited to see what he has in store for us in the future.
September 28, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Nigel felt outta place. . . .just like me and my crew have felt outta place from time to time. It's easy to own our talents when Sister Moon is watching, but when those folks with the Critical Eye are standing by, it's much easier to stay quiet and hid behind those others who know all the words, or wear the right clothes, or people just like better.
This book about Nigel helped us think about owning our talents AND our uncertainties, our waverings and dithers. . .flying even when you are dithering can teach you ALOT more about flying than just sailing around perfectly. Risking a wobble here and there teaches a person a lot more than waiting behind a curtain until the audience has left. . .
It was a book of mixed messages, but we think we got them. At least the ones we got, we are keeping.
Nigel felt outta place. . . .just like me and my crew have felt outta place from time to time. It's easy to own our talents when Sister Moon is watching, but when those folks with the Critical Eye are standing by, it's much easier to stay quiet and hid behind those others who know all the words, or wear the right clothes, or people just like better.
This book about Nigel helped us think about owning our talents AND our uncertainties, our waverings and dithers. . .flying even when you are dithering can teach you ALOT more about flying than just sailing around perfectly. Risking a wobble here and there teaches a person a lot more than waiting behind a curtain until the audience has left. . .
It was a book of mixed messages, but we think we got them. At least the ones we got, we are keeping.
July 19, 2022
The illustrations are vivid and colorful, but the story is preachy, and Nigel's desire to be a superhero makes his other dreams (being an astronaut or a dancer) seem less realistic by default. It's true that lots of children imagine being a superhero, but since this book's message has to do with real jobs, speaking up about your goals, and achieving your dreams, the one genuinely impossible goal makes the execution weaker.
June 28, 2024
Like my first language is Spanish but this book had so many hard words like I had to use google 🫠 this is not a children’s book.
February 22, 2022
This book is a beautiful story about not being ashamed of your dreams and being you. The words are tender and uplifting and encouraging. The art matches the tone of the book so perfectly and is like a dream come to life. Give this one to all the dreamers in your life.
May 22, 2022
Beautiful. Give this to all young children in place of career week. The whole book--story and illustration--is fabulous, but that final vignette of Nigel looking out of his window at the moon just melts my heart. One of the best books of the year.
November 18, 2023
Focuses on a child going through career week at school, exploring future careers as well as parents' current careers and occupations. Nigel doesn't have the confidence to speak up about his dreams and is embarrassed over his parents' jobs. When they show up unexpectedly at parent day, he learns that he needn't have worried. He shares his dreams and learns that the world isn't as scary as he thought it was. Bonus: diversity and inclusion included in the illustrations.
April 8, 2024
Not only did Jesse want to re-read this as soon as we finished the first reading, but I may (or may not) have been crying during the second read through (and most likely every reading henceforth).
✨A beautiful story about cultivating a sense of belonging and courage in the “little things”. Because, after all, the little things like dreaming, delivering mail, and driving are all worthwhile passions.✨
✨A beautiful story about cultivating a sense of belonging and courage in the “little things”. Because, after all, the little things like dreaming, delivering mail, and driving are all worthwhile passions.✨
October 14, 2022
Nigel is having career week at school. But he's afraid of being laughed at---What will the other kids say when he tells them he wants to be a superhero? And his parents' jobs aren't anything special...Instead, Nigel tells the moon.
Ways to shore up one's courage...facing problems...dreaming big...
Ways to shore up one's courage...facing problems...dreaming big...
April 5, 2022
very imaginative
June 2, 2022
Stunning picture book by debut author Antwan Eady. One of the best 2022 picture book releases.
October 30, 2024
Bagus. Unik ilustrasinya.
Read
August 26, 20232022 Cybils Picture Book finalist
This was a warm and encouraging book. Somehow reading it I became completely distracted by the subtext. Was the kid in a fancy private school, maybe on a scholarship? He seems to be the only Black kid in the tiny class, and he seems very worried about status. Also, he seems very young, which makes his concern that his dad's job DRIVING BIG TRUCKS won't be as cool as the boring professions of other parents seem a bit precocious.
This was a warm and encouraging book. Somehow reading it I became completely distracted by the subtext. Was the kid in a fancy private school, maybe on a scholarship? He seems to be the only Black kid in the tiny class, and he seems very worried about status. Also, he seems very young, which makes his concern that his dad's job DRIVING BIG TRUCKS won't be as cool as the boring professions of other parents seem a bit precocious.
January 29, 2023
Text-to Teaching Connection: What is a reading response activity that you can do in a classroom with children in response to the book? Be specific (e.g. drama, music, art, writing, math,
Possibilities are endless in this book a really fun activity children can do is draw the moon and inside they can write down their dreams and color it in , we can tell them to keep this somewhere in their rooms where they can always see this .
Students can also sequence the story and talk about how Nigel’s demeanor changed
Possibilities are endless in this book a really fun activity children can do is draw the moon and inside they can write down their dreams and color it in , we can tell them to keep this somewhere in their rooms where they can always see this .
Students can also sequence the story and talk about how Nigel’s demeanor changed
April 27, 2022
Nigel has big dreams about all the jobs he may someday have -- an astronaut, or a ballet dancer, and sometimes even a superhero. But Nigel is quiet and shy at school and he worries about the other students laughing at his dreams. As career day approaches, he's scared that his class will laugh because his parents don't have "fancy jobs." This is a wonderful picture book that beautifully captures a young child's big emotions and provides loving reassurance that it's okay to dream big.
July 9, 2022
Nigel and the Moon should be put in the hands of every child as they begin to think and talk about what they want to be when they grow up. A real character building story. And isn't it great that we can all talk to the moon-telling our secrets and sharing our dreams!
The illustrations are hand painted to perfection. Heart warming! Brought a tear of joy to my eyes when I read this book! I will share with the moon that this could be Caldecott Gold!
The illustrations are hand painted to perfection. Heart warming! Brought a tear of joy to my eyes when I read this book! I will share with the moon that this could be Caldecott Gold!
July 12, 2021
A beautiful exploration of childhood dreams, family love, and Black boy joy. Eady's simple yet evocative text and Zhang's illustrations are reminiscent of Peter in Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day, in the best possible way. Highly recommended.
February 14, 2022
Lovely illustrations and an interesting story. Sweet, good for older readers, but the younger one could make up stories to go along with the art.
July 5, 2022
I would definitely read this aloud in a classroom, a library, or in my living room to any children who are willing to listen and to dream!
October 11, 2022
Not sure why all the hullaballoo about this book as a possible Caldecott contender. It's a nice message but feels a little tired and uninspired.
August 13, 2022
Ink, gouache, watercolor. "Tomorrow, I'll tell the world, " Nigel says. Yet he quivers at the thought.
Nigel is like each one of us who dares to dream about growing up to be an astronaut or a dancer or a superhero, but he doesn't want to tell the world yet. Zhang's deep blue watercolor dramatizes the "dark hue of the night" and the bright white/ecru/gray distinguish the moon that's so large in the sky. The moon becomes Nigel's confidante. I love the two-page spreads that draw us into the night when Nigel shares his dreams with the moon. In contrast, the school scenes inside the classroom feature students against a white background. The bricks of the school house and library are rich and warm with reds and browns. The colors convey a welcoming feeling. I think children will resonate with the story and art in the same way that I did as they consider their own dreams.
GCBA 2024 (initial list)
Nigel is like each one of us who dares to dream about growing up to be an astronaut or a dancer or a superhero, but he doesn't want to tell the world yet. Zhang's deep blue watercolor dramatizes the "dark hue of the night" and the bright white/ecru/gray distinguish the moon that's so large in the sky. The moon becomes Nigel's confidante. I love the two-page spreads that draw us into the night when Nigel shares his dreams with the moon. In contrast, the school scenes inside the classroom feature students against a white background. The bricks of the school house and library are rich and warm with reds and browns. The colors convey a welcoming feeling. I think children will resonate with the story and art in the same way that I did as they consider their own dreams.
GCBA 2024 (initial list)
February 16, 2022
This is a great book in most ways. I had a little trouble with the art style used, which made it difficult to figure out just how old Nigel is. In addition, this is in a format for kids a bit younger than the "career choosing" part of school that I've seen. It's more of a picture book for kids who are already in school for a year or two, which is okay, but it might confuse young children.
On the other hand, it's a wonderful story about a boy who really has no solid idea what he wants to be, but has some wonderful dreams of things that it would be really cool to be. Also, even though some of his classmates have parents who seem more important or special than his own, in terms of what they do with their lives, the reality is that he has parents who do things that really are important, and seeing what they think is important is also a very good lesson.
On the other hand, it's a wonderful story about a boy who really has no solid idea what he wants to be, but has some wonderful dreams of things that it would be really cool to be. Also, even though some of his classmates have parents who seem more important or special than his own, in terms of what they do with their lives, the reality is that he has parents who do things that really are important, and seeing what they think is important is also a very good lesson.
July 25, 2022
Aw - I love Nigel and his family! Nigel worries about career week at school. Noone dreams of being an astronaut, ballet dancer, and superhero like he does. His classmates (Nigel appears to be the only Black student) all want to be doctors, engineers, and veternarians like their parents. When the special guests arrive on the final day of career week, authors, chefs, and architects visit. Nigel is shy about his parents' jobs ( a mail carrier and truck driver), but when they come, he smiles and is proud of the way they describe the good they do in the world. He is especially proud when they say that raising him was the best job they ever had. NOW he has the courage to share his dreams!
We need to do more to encourage students to explore ALL types of career/job choices. They all have value and purpose.
We need to do more to encourage students to explore ALL types of career/job choices. They all have value and purpose.
February 12, 2023
What a wonderful book. It felt like being wrapped up in a heavy blanket on a cold day. Really, this book is something special. Nigel is a boy who has big dreams. He wants to be somebody someday and talks to the moon at night about all his hopes and dreams, and fears. In school, the class is doing a career week, but Nigel doesn't see in books people that look like him doing what he dreams of doing, all the other kids have parents who do really interesting things, but Nigel is ashamed of his hardworking, but blue-collar family. Will Nigel able to not be fearful of what other people's opinions of him will be, and be able to express himself to others, other than the moon at night? Nigel and the Moon (2022) by Antwan Eady, with illustrations by Gracey Zhang, is a very special reading experience. My rating - 5/5
May 12, 2022
Antwan Eady tells the story of Nigel, who appears as the only black child in his school, and cannot bring himself to tell anyone his dreams, except to the moon. At night he thinks about all those ideas and shares them with the moon. Then comes career week and all his classmates share their hopes, to be a veterinarian or a doctor, maybe an engineer. They also share what their parents do. Nigel keeps everything inside, only for the moon. Then, his parents come to share their work, and Nigel's feelings change. The change in illustrations between Nigel's daytime reluctance to share and his Dreamtime with the moon is well-shown by Gracey Zhang. Knowing children keep their dreams to themselves shows a need to listen to and support every child.
August 7, 2022
Nigel and the Moon is a sweet, hopeful story about having the courage to dream, appealing to the young and not-so-young! This picturebook explores the idea of having big dreams, with a subtle note that I believe acknowledges being a parent and having a working class job (through Nigel's parents) is nothing to be ashamed of or something less than being an astronaut etc. There are obvious complexities in regards to equality and freedom around career choices, and this picturebook strikes a nice balance with subtly conveying these ideas. In the end we see Nigel gain the courage to voice his dreams, which is the most important aspect of this book: not what he dreams of being exactly, but rather finding the courage to voice his dreams.
August 12, 2022
Funny story about this one - I've been planning so many different Storytimes lately with all kinds of different themes, so I've also been requesting LOTS of picture books to look at as I plan. And I remember putting this one on hold, but for the life of me I don't remember why or what I was considering using it for.
That being said, I do love this one. It's sweet and heartwarming. The family dynamic here is great, as is the portrayal of a young boy dreaming big but also feeling a little shy/insecure about sharing those dreams with his peers. The artwork is lovely too. Just a nice cozy story.
I'll find a Storytime to use this one in. At least put it forward for Beehive consideration. It's wonderful!
Storytime Themes: Dreams, Nighttime, Careers, Family
That being said, I do love this one. It's sweet and heartwarming. The family dynamic here is great, as is the portrayal of a young boy dreaming big but also feeling a little shy/insecure about sharing those dreams with his peers. The artwork is lovely too. Just a nice cozy story.
I'll find a Storytime to use this one in. At least put it forward for Beehive consideration. It's wonderful!
Storytime Themes: Dreams, Nighttime, Careers, Family
April 1, 2023
I thought this was really cute except at the end Nigel is embarrassed that his parents don't have fancy jobs like the other kids. Then we find out that his Mom is a mail carrier and his dad is a truck driver. I think its weird he was embarrassed of these jobs. It makes me think the author is a snob if he thinks those are low class jobs. Maybe Nigel lives in a really rich neighborhood so all the kid's parents are upper middle class? Maybe its because my Dad was a logger and a construction worker but in my book those are really good jobs. Mail carriers get paid well and have good benefits. Maybe I'm overthinking it but it just seems unrealistic to me that he would only be going to school with kids who are the children of doctors and lawyers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews