The Boy, the Mountain, and the Serpent Who Ate the Moon
By (Author) Caris Avendao Cruz
Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
14th October 2025
18th August 2025
United States
Children
Fiction
FIC
Hardback
320
Width 136mm, Height 210mm, Spine 22mm
422g
The town of Santo Cristo is known for two things-their colorful town fiesta capped off with a solemn evening procession, and the dozens of people that have disappeared over the years. When three kids-the headstrong Bayani, his sister Isay, and anxious Aaron-find their way over the other side of a mysterious bridge and to a long-forgotten island of myth, they're faced with monsters, cryptids, and sinister characters. In this land of Night, they must find their way back to their world and keep their light burning bright lest they lose themselves too.
"Cruz (Markit and the Ocean of Stars) draws upon Filipino mythology to deliver a fantastical tale about overcoming fear and cultivating a love for the earth and its inhabitants...An engaging tale that blends magical adventure with hopeful depictions of friendship." --Publisher's Weekly
"Cruz seamlessly weaves Filipino folklore into this atmospheric and charming adventure, balancing the story's darker elements with moments of humor and themes of hope and friendship...An enchanting and whimsical story about finding light within darkness." --Kirkus
Caris Avendao Cruz is the author of The Boy, the Mountain, and the Serpent Who Ate the Moon and Marikit and the Ocean of Stars. She is a copywriter for internet brands and cool businesses, but her favorite things to write are magical stories led by kids of color. She lives in Bulacan, Philippines and posts on Instagram. Visit her website to learn more. carisavendanocruz.com Instagram @carisavencruz