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Saving the Sun
After an especially sweltering day, the ocean sparkles and twinkles so invitingly that instead of slipping beneath the horizon, the sun plunges into the ocean itself.
When the sun sinks and loses its fire, Luna and Poppa’s yearly vacation on Summer Island suddenly goes dark. Luna knows the sun needs their help―the sky looks all wrong, and it’s neither day nor night! But it’s a big job to do all on their own.
To bring back daylight, they must think of creative solutions, seeking help from the local dolphins, monkeys, birds, and more. With the power of teamwork and imagination, can they find a way to return the sun to its rightful place, and set it ablaze once more?
This imaginative tale will enchant readers as Luna, Poppa, and their new friends of the sea, beach, and air rise to the challenge of fixing the sky once more and―literally―save the day.
When the sun sinks and loses its fire, Luna and Poppa’s yearly vacation on Summer Island suddenly goes dark. Luna knows the sun needs their help―the sky looks all wrong, and it’s neither day nor night! But it’s a big job to do all on their own.
To bring back daylight, they must think of creative solutions, seeking help from the local dolphins, monkeys, birds, and more. With the power of teamwork and imagination, can they find a way to return the sun to its rightful place, and set it ablaze once more?
This imaginative tale will enchant readers as Luna, Poppa, and their new friends of the sea, beach, and air rise to the challenge of fixing the sky once more and―literally―save the day.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2023
118 people want to read
About the author
Emma Pearl
2 books27 followersI write fiction for all ages. My picture books MENDING THE MOON (2022) and SAVING THE SUN (2023), published by Page Street Kids and illustrated by Sara Ugolotti are out now.
I have travelled the world and now live in New Zealand with my family.
I have travelled the world and now live in New Zealand with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 12, 2023
Saving the Sun is a spectacularly illustrated legend about the origin of beautiful sunsets. Luna and her father are at their favorite summer site when they witness the sun plunge into the sea. Realizing that the sun has become stuck, Luna and her father are determined to rescue the sun. Using local natural resources, they braid a rope while time stands still, and they are aided by sea animals to harness the sun and drag it over the edge of this horizon. In the morning they are stunned to see that the sun was effectively extinguished by its dip in the sea and are again determined to help. With the assistance of a troop of monkeys, they build a massive bonfire, which a flock of birds use to reignite the sun. Restored to glory, a grateful sun presents stunning sunsets for the benefit of Luna and her father.
Ugolotti has captured the stunning beauty of sunsets with her illustrations, spiriting the reader away to an idyllic island where Pearl welcomes the reader into the intimate sphere of Luna and her father’s summer story. Readers will understand how all of nature is intertwined by the way that Luna and her father use local, natural resources to rescue the sun each time, as well as by how the animals aid them. Furthermore, the audience observes the efficacy of collaboration and the beauty of gratitude. Everyone involved -- from the birds to Luna to the whale to the sun -- has a role to play in this pourquoi tale, explaining the origin of beautiful sunsets. Just as one reads other traditional literature for the predictability, the triumph of the good, and the cultural values, one reads Saving the Sun, a worthy addition to the genre! I highly recommend it for young children, from babies through the primary grades.
On a side note, I could also totally see using this in a literature study with older kids, looking at different forms of traditional literature and how those forms are used today.
Ugolotti has captured the stunning beauty of sunsets with her illustrations, spiriting the reader away to an idyllic island where Pearl welcomes the reader into the intimate sphere of Luna and her father’s summer story. Readers will understand how all of nature is intertwined by the way that Luna and her father use local, natural resources to rescue the sun each time, as well as by how the animals aid them. Furthermore, the audience observes the efficacy of collaboration and the beauty of gratitude. Everyone involved -- from the birds to Luna to the whale to the sun -- has a role to play in this pourquoi tale, explaining the origin of beautiful sunsets. Just as one reads other traditional literature for the predictability, the triumph of the good, and the cultural values, one reads Saving the Sun, a worthy addition to the genre! I highly recommend it for young children, from babies through the primary grades.
On a side note, I could also totally see using this in a literature study with older kids, looking at different forms of traditional literature and how those forms are used today.
October 13, 2023
This book is so beautiful and heartwarming and motivating and just so well wrapped up. It made me cherish my childhood memories with my dad even more, if that’s possible. I have not read the author’s previous story of Poppa and Luna but I was so happy to read this one because any time I see a sunrise or a sunset, I’m “butterfly glad”. 😉 I also knew the illustrator and love to open books before I read who the artist is. I recognized Ugolotti’s artwork immediately.
This is one of those I wish I had 6 stars for. I can imagine it becoming a resource in art classes! As well as a wonderful addition to our classroom library (thank you SO much, @thechildrensbookreview @emmspearl and @sara_ugolotti_illustrator as well as @pagestreetkids which has other wonderful books I highly recommend.)
This is one of those I wish I had 6 stars for. I can imagine it becoming a resource in art classes! As well as a wonderful addition to our classroom library (thank you SO much, @thechildrensbookreview @emmspearl and @sara_ugolotti_illustrator as well as @pagestreetkids which has other wonderful books I highly recommend.)
October 6, 2023
Luna and Poppa are spending the day at Summer Island, and it's a scorcher. So hot in fact, that the sun decided to take a swim in the ocean, leaving the world in darkness.
Luna is so sweet and determined to save the sun. She and Poppa work hard to figure out how to do so. Luna is full of clever ideas and with some help from nature around her, she just might be able to save the sun. Beautiful writing, gorgeous pictures, we loved every minute of this story. I love stories about kids being clever and using their imagination to solve problems. Such a sweet story ❤️
Luna is so sweet and determined to save the sun. She and Poppa work hard to figure out how to do so. Luna is full of clever ideas and with some help from nature around her, she just might be able to save the sun. Beautiful writing, gorgeous pictures, we loved every minute of this story. I love stories about kids being clever and using their imagination to solve problems. Such a sweet story ❤️
September 14, 2023
I love this book just as much as I loved Mending the Moon. I am so happy to see Emma Pearl and Sarah Ugolotti back together for this second book. Really, they make a great team and have created a beautiful whimiscal book. While reading this lyrical story, words like, enchanting, magical, breathtaking, beautiful, mesmerizing, and imaginative come to mind. I love that Emma has given the world a new folktale that can be shared with children. One that will stay with them and be shared over the years with future generations.
As always Sarah's illustrations are gorgeous. I love how she uses the ocean waves, the birds, monkeys, firefiles, dolphins, whale, turtles, fish, along with the fanning beach blankets to provide movement in each illustration. I hope there are more to come.
As always Sarah's illustrations are gorgeous. I love how she uses the ocean waves, the birds, monkeys, firefiles, dolphins, whale, turtles, fish, along with the fanning beach blankets to provide movement in each illustration. I hope there are more to come.
July 31, 2023
When the sun feels too hot and submerges in the ocean to cool off, Luna realises its fire will soon be extinguished. She and her Poppa quickly launch into action, enlisting the help of sea animals to tow the sun over the horizon and into the sky once more. Because the sun's light is now dimmed, they must then devise a plan to restore its spark.
This lovely contemporary folk tale is beautifully told and superbly illustrated. While it stands alone perfectly, it also makes a wonderful companion to its predecessor, Mending the Moon.
This lovely contemporary folk tale is beautifully told and superbly illustrated. While it stands alone perfectly, it also makes a wonderful companion to its predecessor, Mending the Moon.
September 14, 2023
Luna loves visiting Summer Island with her Poppa. But one year when they visit, the sun decides to drop into the ocean and cool off. Luna notices that the sky does not look right and that the sun’s fire is fading. She alerts her father and they set out to save the sun. It is a very big job for just one little girl and her Poppa, but all the animals around the island join their efforts.
Illustrations capture the hues of the sand and sea. Readers will see the golden glow of the hot sun, then the dull and dark ember it becomes after its impromptu dip in the waves. The action as the various animals help out is also easy to follow. Dolphins leap as they wrap palm frond ropes around the sun. Monkeys dangle from trees as they build the bonfire higher and higher. The ripples of color as the birds add flames to the sun reinforce their circling flight.
This is a wonderful story of empowerment as Luna’s father supports her in saving the sun. And the natural world responds to their efforts - even the breeze joins in to rekindle the sun’s fire. A fun book to share with a little one who enjoys nature and visiting a favorite location with family.
Illustrations capture the hues of the sand and sea. Readers will see the golden glow of the hot sun, then the dull and dark ember it becomes after its impromptu dip in the waves. The action as the various animals help out is also easy to follow. Dolphins leap as they wrap palm frond ropes around the sun. Monkeys dangle from trees as they build the bonfire higher and higher. The ripples of color as the birds add flames to the sun reinforce their circling flight.
This is a wonderful story of empowerment as Luna’s father supports her in saving the sun. And the natural world responds to their efforts - even the breeze joins in to rekindle the sun’s fire. A fun book to share with a little one who enjoys nature and visiting a favorite location with family.
January 15, 2024
Emma Pearl and Sara Ugolotti have done it again! The team that brought you the beautiful story of Mending the Moon has created another gorgeous book, Saving the Sun, which feels like another fairy tale brought to life. Luna and Poppa and their animal friends are called upon once more, this time to save the sun that has fallen into the sea. Using their ingenuity and teamwork, Luna and Poppa rescue the sun from the water, restoring it to the sky. Young readers will love the imaginative elements of this story as well as the gorgeous illustrations throughout. Like the sun rising over and over, thanks to Luna and her friends, you'll want to read this book over and over again.
March 19, 2024
I enjoyed the companion story to Mending the Moon —although this time Luna and Poppa need to save the sun, instead of the moon. I love the creative solutions that Luna thinks of to return the sun back to the sky. And I love how Poppa supports her ideas every step of the way. Sara Ugolotti does a beautiful job again with the illustrations — I especially like the firefly spreads with the twinkling lights. Kids will really enjoy how the animals (monkeys, birds, etc) get in on the action and help Luna accomplish her mission. Saving the Sun is fantastical and sweet story with engaging illustrations.
July 21, 2023
Reading this book felt like reading a legend that is told from generation to generation. The gorgeous and delightful illustrations pair up perfectly well with the beautiful lyrical text to create a story to be enjoyed by children and all readers. The themes of teamwork, creativity, and making a difference come together when Luna sets up to save the sun from drowning in the ocean with the help of her grandpa, Poppa, and unexpected friends from the sea. I really enjoyed this lovely story, and I'm thankful for the ARC I received for review.
August 24, 2023
Saving the Sun is an imaginative tale of a little girl who figures out how to help the sun recover after a dip in the ocean that puts out it’s light. The story takes many flights of fancy as Luna and her Poppa work together with dolphins and birds to rescue the sun and restore daylight to earth. The illustrations in this book are breathtakingly beautiful and add an air of mystery and enchantment to the tale. Children are sure to let their imaginations soar after reading this book.
October 22, 2024
Wow- we adored this book! It read like a folk tale or legend, and we were totally enraptured by this beautiful story! My daughter and I said it was our favourite read all week- and we’ve been reading A LOT! The sweet characters of Luna & Poppa, and their concern for the sun, instantly welcomed us into the story. We loved seeing all the creatures take part in helping the sun, and the illustrations are a total standout!
Absolutely recommend this one for your imaginative little ones!
Absolutely recommend this one for your imaginative little ones!
November 14, 2024
Emma Pearl and Sara Ugolotti return with another enchanting folktale in Saving the Sun, where Luna and her grandfather, along with their animal friends, set out to rescue the sun after it falls into the sea. Young readers will be captivated by the imaginative storytelling, stunning illustrations, and boundless creativity throughout.
July 19, 2023
With love, cooperation, and teamwork, Lana and Poppa, with help from sea friends, find a way to repair and reignite the sun. Young readers will enjoy the lyrical and enchanting text, and they will be mesmerized by the illustrations. I highly recommend this very uplifting story.
August 13, 2023
I love the folk tale feel that this story has. It shows a father daughter team working together with animals of all kinds to help the sun find its light again. The art in this book is GORGEOUS! The colors and detail are stunning! This makes a great bedtime story or classroom read for earth day.
September 20, 2023
Emma Pearl's stunning lines captivate magic in this sweet story about saving the sun. This lovely story incorporates how if we work together with others we can accomplish much. This will be a fantastic addition to everyone's library! This is a must-have!
September 21, 2023
1. I love the engaging and whimsical text that take the reader on a fantastical journey.
2. I love the glorious illustrations that create a magical setting for the story.
3. I love the agency of the child in the story and how problem solving happens step by step.
2. I love the glorious illustrations that create a magical setting for the story.
3. I love the agency of the child in the story and how problem solving happens step by step.
August 14, 2023
Very sweet and imaginative story. It reads like a pourquoi tale and would work well as a classroom tool for a class studying those. The artwork is gorgeous and adds to the magic.
September 28, 2023
The COLORS in this book are out of this world! I so enjoyed the visual journey in this folk tale, and I'm sure readers will linger over the beautiful illustrations.
September 28, 2023
An immaginative picture book with beautiful illustrations. Whimsical and sweet, the illustrations are the biggest appeal here.
October 12, 2023
3.5 stars for this fanciful tale of the sun taking a dip in the ocean and being returned and relit by a girl and her father, with some help from the natural world
January 22, 2024
When the sun ends up falling into the sea, Luna and her father will have to do everything they can in order to get the sun back into the sky.
March 7, 2024
Emma and Sara are a wonderful picture book team. They create the most lovely and heart warming stories, and I would absolutely recommend their books to anyone.
July 20, 2024
4.8 stars, maybe
September 16, 2024
Gorgeous colors
December 29, 2023
What a gorgeous book! Imagine what would happen if the sun got too hot and sank into the sea. Emma Pearl's tale unfolds just like a folk tale as time stands still and Luna and Poppa try to rescue the sun. They make progress, but at each stage, they need a little help from sea creatures, monkeys and even the birds. The spirit of cooperation and working together towards a goal paired with the stunning illustrations by Sarah Ugolotti make this a book parents will love to read to their children over and over.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews