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If My Moon Was Your Sun
Did you hear the story about Max, the boy who kidnapped his grandfather from a nursing home ? You didn't see it on the news? Well, let me tell you about it.
Max lives in a small town, much smaller than yours. His grandpa is losing his memory, but still remembers quite a bit. You can imagine how they hurried, Max and his grandpa, followed by old Miss Schneider, who insisted on coming along. Why were they in a hurry? Because everyone was after them. Max had skipped school to rescue his grandpa, and they were just starting out on what promised to be one of the best days of their entire lives.
A touching story about dementia and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, with full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook featuring twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev.
Max lives in a small town, much smaller than yours. His grandpa is losing his memory, but still remembers quite a bit. You can imagine how they hurried, Max and his grandpa, followed by old Miss Schneider, who insisted on coming along. Why were they in a hurry? Because everyone was after them. Max had skipped school to rescue his grandpa, and they were just starting out on what promised to be one of the best days of their entire lives.
A touching story about dementia and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, with full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook featuring twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2017
About the author
Andreas Steinhöfel
65 books171 followersBorn in 1962 in Battenberg, Germany, Steinhöfel now works as a translator and reviewer and writes screenplays. First and foremost, though, he is the author of numerous children's and young adult books awarded with various literature prizes. His bestseller "The Center of the World" was nominated for the well-known and prestigious German Youth Literature Prize and has been published in numerous countries worldwide.
Steinhöfel was awarded the Erich Kästner Prize in 2009, after Peter Rühmkorf, Loriot, Robert Gernhardt, and Tomi Ungerer. In the same year, he was also awarded several literary prizes for his work "Rico, Oskar und die Tieferschatten", including the German Youth Literature Prize, the Catholic Children's and Youth Literature Prize as well as the "Lesekünstler 2009" award by the Börsenverein Deutscher Buchhandel.
Steinhöfel was awarded the Erich Kästner Prize in 2009, after Peter Rühmkorf, Loriot, Robert Gernhardt, and Tomi Ungerer. In the same year, he was also awarded several literary prizes for his work "Rico, Oskar und die Tieferschatten", including the German Youth Literature Prize, the Catholic Children's and Youth Literature Prize as well as the "Lesekünstler 2009" award by the Börsenverein Deutscher Buchhandel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 9, 2018
When I was growing up, there was a very strict rule in our house about not touching the record player (get away from that hi-fi you girls!!), and even more important was not touching the albums themselves. So when a children's record player -- and a real one at that, it wasn't that silly Fisher Price glorified music box thing -- was added to our playroom, my sister and I were thrilled to finally be able to manage our own soundtrack to life.
As it turns out, there weren't really that many records made available to us (it would be several years before I was able to convince the powers that be that we should definitely be taking advantage of the fine offerings available at Columbia House), so with the exception of Free To Be You and Me and Honey On Toast, the majority of our collection was made up of read-along books.
I hadn't thought about those books for many years until I read this book by Andreas Steinhöfel. If My Moon Was Your Sun comes with a CD audiobook of the story. Much like most of the read-along books I had as a child, this one includes classical musical interludes at various points throughout the story. Illustrator Nele Palmtag took inspiration from the music of Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev and her illustrations fill the space during which the music plays.
The story itself is fun but bittersweet: a boy named Max liberates his grandfather from the nursing home for the day to travel to a field of memories. As they leave, Miss Schneider, another resident of the nursing home, slips out with them and the trio are off on an adventure. This is a touching look at how dementia can affect a family, especially that bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Thank you to NetGalley and Plough Publishing for providing me with a DRC of this book.
As it turns out, there weren't really that many records made available to us (it would be several years before I was able to convince the powers that be that we should definitely be taking advantage of the fine offerings available at Columbia House), so with the exception of Free To Be You and Me and Honey On Toast, the majority of our collection was made up of read-along books.
I hadn't thought about those books for many years until I read this book by Andreas Steinhöfel. If My Moon Was Your Sun comes with a CD audiobook of the story. Much like most of the read-along books I had as a child, this one includes classical musical interludes at various points throughout the story. Illustrator Nele Palmtag took inspiration from the music of Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev and her illustrations fill the space during which the music plays.
The story itself is fun but bittersweet: a boy named Max liberates his grandfather from the nursing home for the day to travel to a field of memories. As they leave, Miss Schneider, another resident of the nursing home, slips out with them and the trio are off on an adventure. This is a touching look at how dementia can affect a family, especially that bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Thank you to NetGalley and Plough Publishing for providing me with a DRC of this book.
August 9, 2018
An excellent book about Max and his love for his grandfather. Max's grandfather lives in a Nursing Home. Max worries that someday his grandpa will not remember him. I like how his grandfather uses the example of the moon, that you can't always see it but you know that it's there. I love the illustrations! So pretty! This book has great humor. I love the adventure Max takes with his grandfather and Miss Schneider. I love Max's experience at a Nursing Home when he goes there to visit his grandfather. Thank you NetGalley and Plough Publishing for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
November 25, 2017
This is a wonderful read that will generate discussion for parents and their children on the topic of aging grandparents. It was refreshing to have a child's perspective as his grandfather moved into a nursing home. Quite an adventure ensued, and there were laughs and love along the way!
Thanks to Andreas Steinhofel, the publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Andreas Steinhofel, the publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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March 20, 2018
I love this book because it tells about the love of Max to his grandpa who has dementia. He did what he thought will make his grandpa happy and to be able to help him also to remember always the momentous event of proposing to his wife, Max's grandma, in Blossom Valley. I recommend this to young readers, ages 8 and up because they are more mature to understand medical related stories than kids below the age of eight.
August 29, 2017
In Andeas Steinhöfel’s If My Moon Was Your Sun, 10-year-old Max decides to break his beloved grandfather, who has a bit dementia, out of his nursing home. Grandpa’s wily fellow patient Miss Schneider escapes, as well, and the trio go on day-long adventure. The book’s wonderful message, ably captured in Matthew O. Anderson’s translation from the original German, comes through in Steinhöfel’s prose and Nele Palmtag’s beautiful color illustrations Each chapter ends with a musical reference from Sergei Prokofiev’s A Summer Day or Georges Bizet’s Petite Suite. Sadly, my ARC did not come with the read-along CD audiobook that contains the 12 pieces. Highly recommended — and not just for the young.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley,
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley,
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2019
A CD accompanied the copy of the book I borrowed from the Library. The CD included the audiobook interspersed with music from Prokofiev and Bizet. It was quite delightful to listen to while following along in the book. Basically, the book explains the aging process of an elderly grandparent and his transition from his own familiar home to an adult living facility and how his grandson, Max, transitions with him.
The most poignant part of the book is when Max reminisces on the love that he and his grandfather share. He recalls hearing his grandfather's gentle humming. "This humming that softly and tenderly wove its way through air and light." He also recalls listening to stories while his "small, young hands are resting in larger, older ones." The imagery is beautiful and the accompanying music adds to the emotional experience.
Max's grandfather is living with memory issues and Max fears that his grandfather will forget how much he loves him. A very real fear for children and adults alike when a loved one begins to have difficulty remembering. I love his grandfather's response, "You can't always see the moon, but you know it's always there." A very special book indeed.
The most poignant part of the book is when Max reminisces on the love that he and his grandfather share. He recalls hearing his grandfather's gentle humming. "This humming that softly and tenderly wove its way through air and light." He also recalls listening to stories while his "small, young hands are resting in larger, older ones." The imagery is beautiful and the accompanying music adds to the emotional experience.
Max's grandfather is living with memory issues and Max fears that his grandfather will forget how much he loves him. A very real fear for children and adults alike when a loved one begins to have difficulty remembering. I love his grandfather's response, "You can't always see the moon, but you know it's always there." A very special book indeed.
December 3, 2018
So cute, a little sad but lovely all the time
December 31, 2017
A massive feel good story about a very serious and sad aspect of growing old.
Max has adjusted to his Grandfather losing his independence and going into a home. He misses special times and knows his Grandfather is suffering from getting older and forgetting things. He loves him so much he can’t bear the thought of his Grandfather not remembering how much he loves him.
One day on a casual visit Max breaks out to take them to a special place in his Grandfather’s past of significant memory to cement his thoughts and capture a special time to always remember.
With wonderful illustrations that support the text and valued of the story. The book also has an audio soundtrack of Bizet and Prokofiev which will lift the experience to a higher plane.
Max has adjusted to his Grandfather losing his independence and going into a home. He misses special times and knows his Grandfather is suffering from getting older and forgetting things. He loves him so much he can’t bear the thought of his Grandfather not remembering how much he loves him.
One day on a casual visit Max breaks out to take them to a special place in his Grandfather’s past of significant memory to cement his thoughts and capture a special time to always remember.
With wonderful illustrations that support the text and valued of the story. The book also has an audio soundtrack of Bizet and Prokofiev which will lift the experience to a higher plane.
September 18, 2018
This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read, and I am an avid reader. I cannot wait until my son is old enough for me to read it to him. I would describe this book as a beautiful illustrated, extended children’s story about the special bond between a grandparent and a grandchild and how love endures the challenges of aging. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read a feel-good narrative.
July 22, 2018
Ако Фредрик Бакман пишеше за деца, то „Всяка сутрин пътят към дома става все по-дълъг“ щеше да се казва „Момчето, което отвлече дядо си”. Харесах си автора още когато попаднах на детско-юношеския му детективски роман “Покровителят на крадците”. После съзрях името му и върху плакатите на няколко немски семейни филми, които имах щастието да гледам на една панорама на европейското детско кино. Но истината е, че „Момчето, което отвлече дядо си” (изд. „Прозорец”) е най-трогателната, нежна и по детски поетична история на Андреас Щайнхьофел, с която съм се сблъсквал. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
November 10, 2018
It is beautiful story about the special relationship between grandfather with dementia and his grandchild, Very touching.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
July 16, 2019
🌙 🌞 🌙 🌞 🌙
IF MY MOON WAS YOUR SON is such a moving story about the touching relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents and impact of dementia. In this poignant tale, Max kidnaps his grandfather from a nursing home, where he is being cared for because he has dementia. Max skips school to save his grandpa, on what he hopes will be their best day ever. But soon everyone in this small town is in pursuit of them and spindly Miss Schneider, who slips out with them. Features beautiful full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook with twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev. Also has an intriguing segment between the author and illustrator on their creative process for developing the story. Highly highly recommended!
Thanks to Plough Publishing House and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
#IfMyMoonWasYourSun #NetGalley
IF MY MOON WAS YOUR SON is such a moving story about the touching relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents and impact of dementia. In this poignant tale, Max kidnaps his grandfather from a nursing home, where he is being cared for because he has dementia. Max skips school to save his grandpa, on what he hopes will be their best day ever. But soon everyone in this small town is in pursuit of them and spindly Miss Schneider, who slips out with them. Features beautiful full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook with twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev. Also has an intriguing segment between the author and illustrator on their creative process for developing the story. Highly highly recommended!
Thanks to Plough Publishing House and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
#IfMyMoonWasYourSun #NetGalley
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October 14, 2017
„Longing, they claimed, lives in the heart.
But Max knew better: his body was made up of billions of tiny cells, and, since each one of this cells hurt, it could only mean that his feeling of longing lived everywhere in him.“
It’s a lovely story about a grandson and his grandfather, who have a little bit of sunshine and peace after escaping from a nursing home.
The grandfather has dementia and Max, the grandson, is so afraid for his grandfather and the memories he’s losing.
It has beautiful illustrations in it, that makes the reading experience even better next to the beautiful writing.
But Max knew better: his body was made up of billions of tiny cells, and, since each one of this cells hurt, it could only mean that his feeling of longing lived everywhere in him.“
It’s a lovely story about a grandson and his grandfather, who have a little bit of sunshine and peace after escaping from a nursing home.
The grandfather has dementia and Max, the grandson, is so afraid for his grandfather and the memories he’s losing.
It has beautiful illustrations in it, that makes the reading experience even better next to the beautiful writing.
October 11, 2017
What a wonderful story. Max and his grandfather have a very special relationship, but his grandfather is in a nursing home and has the "Great Forgetting". Max does not want him to live so far away, he thinks he will never see him, so one day he skips school and heads to the Nursing Home. He is going to kidnap his grandfather and take him to his "Happy Place". The big problem is that another resident sneaks out with them. They head off to the meadow where Grandfather and Max lie looking at the sun and Mrs. Schneider dances.
This book evokes such extreme emotions. I smiled during the dancing bits and almost cried during the spots where grandfather does The Great Forgetting. There is a point in the book where Max mentions a fear he has and it caused me to feel overwhelmingly emotional. His grandfather's explanations is wonderful and easy for children to understand. I did not receive the audio CD with this book from Netgalley, but went out to youtube and found the musical accompaniment. Amazing match to the story. This could be a silent movie using the wonderful illustrations and the music.
This story could be read and enjoyed by anyone from about age 6 and up. The family bond and love, understanding dimentia or alzheimers, fear of losing a loved one and understanding of seniors are all dealt with in a compassionate, emotional way. I will need to purchase the book with the CD for my library at home. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This book evokes such extreme emotions. I smiled during the dancing bits and almost cried during the spots where grandfather does The Great Forgetting. There is a point in the book where Max mentions a fear he has and it caused me to feel overwhelmingly emotional. His grandfather's explanations is wonderful and easy for children to understand. I did not receive the audio CD with this book from Netgalley, but went out to youtube and found the musical accompaniment. Amazing match to the story. This could be a silent movie using the wonderful illustrations and the music.
This story could be read and enjoyed by anyone from about age 6 and up. The family bond and love, understanding dimentia or alzheimers, fear of losing a loved one and understanding of seniors are all dealt with in a compassionate, emotional way. I will need to purchase the book with the CD for my library at home. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
September 5, 2019
Oh man. Who is cutting all of these onions?
This is a beautiful book, perfect for an older child who is struggling with a grandparent’s dementia. It packs a hell of an emotional punch though, so be prepared.
This is a beautiful book, perfect for an older child who is struggling with a grandparent’s dementia. It packs a hell of an emotional punch though, so be prepared.
August 29, 2017
This is a book that is supposed to have music to accompany it. Without the music, the story seems flat, and boring, rather like drinking a soda that has been out of the bottle for too long. From what the notes say, the music works perfectly with the dances that everyone in this story does all over the place. But without the music, as I said, it is like watching a movie with the sound off.
The story itself is cute, a boy takes his father and his father's friend out of their nursing home to go on an adventure in the hills, where they dance, and have fun. That's about it.
Too wordy for a picture book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The story itself is cute, a boy takes his father and his father's friend out of their nursing home to go on an adventure in the hills, where they dance, and have fun. That's about it.
Too wordy for a picture book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
November 25, 2015
Wunderwunderwunderwunderschön.
August 7, 2018
Young boy breaks his grandpa out of the nursing home; another resident tags along, basically for comic relief. They go to a special place dear to Grandpa, where they talk about astronomy and what will happen once he forgets everything due to his illness.
The book alternates between full-page drawings done in sketchy yellow pastels and full-page text.
Best line: “Never in the history of escapes has there been a more laid-back getaway.”
If you’re a fan of Prokofiev and Bizet, there’s something special for you here.
The tale meanders as it tells about the love between these generations, but the moments that might explain to kids about memory loss and why it happens are few. As a story it works; as a lesson, not so much.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
The book alternates between full-page drawings done in sketchy yellow pastels and full-page text.
Best line: “Never in the history of escapes has there been a more laid-back getaway.”
If you’re a fan of Prokofiev and Bizet, there’s something special for you here.
The tale meanders as it tells about the love between these generations, but the moments that might explain to kids about memory loss and why it happens are few. As a story it works; as a lesson, not so much.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
July 21, 2017
Max's adventure is uplifting, and moving. More in my blog here: https://worncorners.com/2017/07/21/if...
January 21, 2018
I found the concept of a listen-along-CD and a lovely book for ages 8 to 12 quite appealing. The listen-along and book combo is usually reserved for the younger child. To further enhance the intriguing concept for ages 8 to 12 they have added interludes of classical music that punctuates the "chapters." This is a superb opportunity to allow the introduction of classical music into the story time for this age.
The music is beautiful and it connsists of the work of composers Sergi Prokofiev and Georges Bizet. The story is beautifully read and is a translation from the German of a beautiful story. Descriptive phrases and lyric style are well done. A pleasure to listen to it being read or to read oneself.
Grandfather has dementia and is in a home with locked doors and Max wants a day out with his grandfather. So an escape from the confines of the nursing home is executed seamlessly by Max and Grandfather with an older lady slipping out with them. And so they go on their adventure with fun, laughs, and love. As day closes and the moon comes out Max and Grandfather are talking about the moon and the sun and how they revolve. Then Grandfather says, "Who are you?"
Max knows his Grandfather has times of not remembering which is the reason he lives in the "home." Though sadded about his Grandfather's condition, Max wants to help his Grandfather.
The story is beautiful showing the love between a grandson and his grandfather. It is beautifully written in flowing style and with grace and sensitivity. The story can be used to help children understand dementia and how it devastates. Often young children see the effects of dementia on someone they love and don't understand it. This lovely story could help.
On a negative note, while I completely understand this is fiction, it does raise issues. First, a nine-year-old child shouldn't go wandering off across town on his or her own without an adult even having knowledge of his excursion. Secondly, the locks on nursing homes are there for the safety of the residents; and for the dementia resident to leave without a responsible adult is simply asking for trouble and most likely unlawful. Of course, when reading stories like Red Riding Hood we have a little girl traipsing through the deep dark forest unaccompanied, so unattended children on excursions are not new to the literature world. Neither is stretching the law a bit. I did want to point out my concerns about the story while extolling its gentle beauty and wonderful presentation with book and audio.
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy through the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. Opinions are my own and freely given.
The music is beautiful and it connsists of the work of composers Sergi Prokofiev and Georges Bizet. The story is beautifully read and is a translation from the German of a beautiful story. Descriptive phrases and lyric style are well done. A pleasure to listen to it being read or to read oneself.
Grandfather has dementia and is in a home with locked doors and Max wants a day out with his grandfather. So an escape from the confines of the nursing home is executed seamlessly by Max and Grandfather with an older lady slipping out with them. And so they go on their adventure with fun, laughs, and love. As day closes and the moon comes out Max and Grandfather are talking about the moon and the sun and how they revolve. Then Grandfather says, "Who are you?"
Max knows his Grandfather has times of not remembering which is the reason he lives in the "home." Though sadded about his Grandfather's condition, Max wants to help his Grandfather.
The story is beautiful showing the love between a grandson and his grandfather. It is beautifully written in flowing style and with grace and sensitivity. The story can be used to help children understand dementia and how it devastates. Often young children see the effects of dementia on someone they love and don't understand it. This lovely story could help.
On a negative note, while I completely understand this is fiction, it does raise issues. First, a nine-year-old child shouldn't go wandering off across town on his or her own without an adult even having knowledge of his excursion. Secondly, the locks on nursing homes are there for the safety of the residents; and for the dementia resident to leave without a responsible adult is simply asking for trouble and most likely unlawful. Of course, when reading stories like Red Riding Hood we have a little girl traipsing through the deep dark forest unaccompanied, so unattended children on excursions are not new to the literature world. Neither is stretching the law a bit. I did want to point out my concerns about the story while extolling its gentle beauty and wonderful presentation with book and audio.
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy through the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. Opinions are my own and freely given.
October 28, 2017
I received a hard-cover ARC copy of this book, along with its accompanying cd consisting of the book’s text with its incidental music between chapters, from the publisher; and the following is my honest opinion, which I’ve broken down into several segments.
This is the first book I’ve read which has been translated from its original German text. The reason I’m mentioning this is that German had been my secondary major to my primary one of Sociology. Given the intended age group for this book of 8 – 12, I figured the original German should be easy enough for me to translate, which is what I did. When I listened to the audio for the text for the book’s first paragraph, I found much to my delight that the translator, Matthew O. Anderson, didn’t merely translate the book into English, he endeavored to capture the nuances of language which the author wanted to communicate to his readers.
I know I could have easily read this book, however I wanted to experience the impact having the book read to me for a change would feel like. Needless to say, I found the experience to be quite satisfying, especially when you include the carefully selected classical music segments heard between each segment [chapter] which added a delightful embellishment to the entire reading experience.
Ms. Palmtag, the book’s illustrator, has done a marvelous in pairing her illustrations to the words of the book which further heighten the story itself.
As for the storyline itself, you’ve got the love the coupling of the innocence along with the love for his grandfather Max exhibited when he decided to kidnap him out of the nursing home so he could keep his grandfather close and not lose him. Not knowing anything about dementia Max thought he’s doing something good, but when he saw people from the home and his mother chasing everyone; including Ms. Schneider, another resident of the nursing home who came along for the ride, Max knew he had to stop and give up.
If you’ve got any doubt that this endeavor had to be a labor of love for the author, instead of being just another children’s book, read the interview with the author and illustrator at the end of the book. Considering all this, you can see why I’ve given this book the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.
This is the first book I’ve read which has been translated from its original German text. The reason I’m mentioning this is that German had been my secondary major to my primary one of Sociology. Given the intended age group for this book of 8 – 12, I figured the original German should be easy enough for me to translate, which is what I did. When I listened to the audio for the text for the book’s first paragraph, I found much to my delight that the translator, Matthew O. Anderson, didn’t merely translate the book into English, he endeavored to capture the nuances of language which the author wanted to communicate to his readers.
I know I could have easily read this book, however I wanted to experience the impact having the book read to me for a change would feel like. Needless to say, I found the experience to be quite satisfying, especially when you include the carefully selected classical music segments heard between each segment [chapter] which added a delightful embellishment to the entire reading experience.
Ms. Palmtag, the book’s illustrator, has done a marvelous in pairing her illustrations to the words of the book which further heighten the story itself.
As for the storyline itself, you’ve got the love the coupling of the innocence along with the love for his grandfather Max exhibited when he decided to kidnap him out of the nursing home so he could keep his grandfather close and not lose him. Not knowing anything about dementia Max thought he’s doing something good, but when he saw people from the home and his mother chasing everyone; including Ms. Schneider, another resident of the nursing home who came along for the ride, Max knew he had to stop and give up.
If you’ve got any doubt that this endeavor had to be a labor of love for the author, instead of being just another children’s book, read the interview with the author and illustrator at the end of the book. Considering all this, you can see why I’ve given this book the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.
September 2, 2017
At about 37%, I was smiling, this so far has given me really good warm and fuzzy feelings. I am in love with the artwork. It's heartwarming and makes me happy. I do not know if I would call this a picture book. Sure, there are a lot of pictures, but just as much text or more. I feel like this book is good for any age, but when thinking about children, probably 7+ if the child is an avid reader and knows the love of a grandparent. They could surely relate to this story. I can relate, even as an adult. I feel like I would do something like Max did for a loved one if I knew I could get away with it and knew for sure there would be no dangers involved for anybody.
Whenever the grandfather does The Great Forgetting, I feel my stomach drop and I want to cry. It is so, so heartbreaking and Andreas Steinhofel writes this wonderfully. I am impressed with their writing style. It is beautiful and touching.
I smiled so much during the dancing bits. There are parts in this story that are cute and make me giggle, but then parts that make my heart hurt. There is a point in the book where Max mentions a fear he has and it caused me to feel overwhelmingly emotional. I love that this book invokes such emotions. To think, I just randomly found this for review on Netgally.
My final thoughts: I loved this. I would buy the final version. It's beautiful and I want the audiobook/music to complete my experience with this.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
Just a note: This comes with an audiobook/music, but we do not get those when reviewing the book on Netgally. I do feel like it makes us miss out on some of the emotion the author wants us to feel, as the audiobook/music goes with the text.
Whenever the grandfather does The Great Forgetting, I feel my stomach drop and I want to cry. It is so, so heartbreaking and Andreas Steinhofel writes this wonderfully. I am impressed with their writing style. It is beautiful and touching.
I smiled so much during the dancing bits. There are parts in this story that are cute and make me giggle, but then parts that make my heart hurt. There is a point in the book where Max mentions a fear he has and it caused me to feel overwhelmingly emotional. I love that this book invokes such emotions. To think, I just randomly found this for review on Netgally.
My final thoughts: I loved this. I would buy the final version. It's beautiful and I want the audiobook/music to complete my experience with this.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
Just a note: This comes with an audiobook/music, but we do not get those when reviewing the book on Netgally. I do feel like it makes us miss out on some of the emotion the author wants us to feel, as the audiobook/music goes with the text.
December 9, 2017
A great book for a tough situation, "If My Moon Was Your Sun" focuses on a boy named Max and his changing relationship with his grandfather. Max takes his grandfather on an adventure outside of the confines of the nursing home and together they face Max's feelings of loss. Max dreads the day his grandfather will no longer remember him because of the dementia that is slowly taking his memories. He ends up reassured because of a really lovely interchange about the moon. I won't go into detail because I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
No book can be perfect, this book has a couple minor weaknesses in that it is a translated book and thus loses probably a bit of the fluidity that it had in the native language and also that it is a bit long for a picture book. If you live in the USA like I do, you know that it is often quite difficult to get parents to choose picture books for kids after kindergarten. This book is of a length and subject matter more appropriate for a little bit later.
I experienced this book as a NetGalley ebook, however, it appears that this book has been released as a book with CD which includes the story and music that the grandfather likes. I'm sure it is quite excellent experienced like that and that's how I would recommend enjoying this book. If you are in a situation where you need this book, then it will probably be difficult to read this book aloud to the child who needs this book which makes the CD format much more appealing.
Recommended for those dealing with the gradual loss of grandparents due to dementia or similar conditions. Additionally recommended for anyone who has a fondness for books from other countries.
No book can be perfect, this book has a couple minor weaknesses in that it is a translated book and thus loses probably a bit of the fluidity that it had in the native language and also that it is a bit long for a picture book. If you live in the USA like I do, you know that it is often quite difficult to get parents to choose picture books for kids after kindergarten. This book is of a length and subject matter more appropriate for a little bit later.
I experienced this book as a NetGalley ebook, however, it appears that this book has been released as a book with CD which includes the story and music that the grandfather likes. I'm sure it is quite excellent experienced like that and that's how I would recommend enjoying this book. If you are in a situation where you need this book, then it will probably be difficult to read this book aloud to the child who needs this book which makes the CD format much more appealing.
Recommended for those dealing with the gradual loss of grandparents due to dementia or similar conditions. Additionally recommended for anyone who has a fondness for books from other countries.
August 1, 2017
I personally love reading children's books. I believe they are generally under-rated and have many secret messages for keen readers, especially adults; I think that the reason for this is so the adults have something to enjoy when they read these books to their children (or any child).
The bright and colourful illustrarions really give light and life to the story, they have a unique drawing to them as well.
If I had the chance to listen to the books with the songs I'm sure it would have been a pleasurable read and must give another atmospher to the book.
I'm afraid I did feel like something was lacking, as though the full potential of the book was not carried out which made me feel a bit disappointed, all in all.
The bright and colourful illustrarions really give light and life to the story, they have a unique drawing to them as well.
If I had the chance to listen to the books with the songs I'm sure it would have been a pleasurable read and must give another atmospher to the book.
I'm afraid I did feel like something was lacking, as though the full potential of the book was not carried out which made me feel a bit disappointed, all in all.
January 8, 2018
This is a nice story about a young boy who wants to have a day with his grandfather like they used to have before his grandfather went into a memory care facility. He manages to sneak his grandfather out of the facility one morning and go on a bus to a favorite meadow. Ultimately they are missed, found, and must return.
The artwork is delightful and the music is nice too. It would be a nice story to read to a child who has a grandparent with dementia. There is no great moral to the story nor insight into the disease.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The artwork is delightful and the music is nice too. It would be a nice story to read to a child who has a grandparent with dementia. There is no great moral to the story nor insight into the disease.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 14, 2018
A sweet story of Max who's Grandfather recently was moved into a nursing home due to dementia. Max is sad that he can't see is Grandfather as much any more because the home is on the other side of town so he hatches a plan to break him out.
A great topic that should be written about more often to help children with the changes that happen during old age. Beautiful and funny at times. I did think that the words were a little grown up for the lower grades.
A great topic that should be written about more often to help children with the changes that happen during old age. Beautiful and funny at times. I did think that the words were a little grown up for the lower grades.
May 11, 2018
This was a wonderful, wonderful story of the love of a grandson toward his grandpa who has dementia. I would consider this a long picture book and would make a great read aloud for a 2-5th grade class, especially for students who are close to their grandparents and are dealing with aging relatives. Loved this!
May 7, 2019
Book #32 Read in 2019
If My Moon was Your Sun by Andreas Steinhofel
This is a children's book. Max's grandfather is in a nursing home for memory issues. Max wants to take him outside so he does, and another patient tags along. They have a nice day but everyone is worried about them.
If My Moon was Your Sun by Andreas Steinhofel
This is a children's book. Max's grandfather is in a nursing home for memory issues. Max wants to take him outside so he does, and another patient tags along. They have a nice day but everyone is worried about them.
July 20, 2017
This book is exceptional! As I read about Max and his grandfather, I felt my heart swell and fill to the brim with love. Love is, after all, at the very center of this wonderful story. Love is its North Star and what tugs Max toward his grandfather again and again. This book is beautifully illustrated and poetically written. It is truly an edition to treasure and to revisit any time you need a reminder of all that is good and kind in life.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
Poētiska grāmata, kurā mājo nostalģija un gandrīz sataustāma sirsnīga tuvība, kas brīnišķīgi iemūžināta arī ilustrācijās. Atainoto pārdzīvojumu, savukārt, līdzsvaro humors.
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