Nigel and the Moon

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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 its Career Week at school, and Nigel cant find the courage to share his dreams. Its easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmatesespecially 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 *

Reviews

This story radiates a quiet power. Poetic language paired with bold brushstrokes reveals the magic of the night sky. Nothing is more empowering to children than loving adults telling them to dream big and be proud of who you are.[A] stirring tale of self-acceptance and parental support. School Library Journal (starred review) "Hitting notes of hope, fear, love, and pride while subtly tackling themes of class, gender expectations, and race, Eadys debut is matched beat for layered beat by Zhangs (Lalas Words) fluid ink, gouache, and watercolor illustrations, which depict Nigel as small but trusting against a looming, ponderous moon. A loving exhortation to 'Dream big... And be proud of who you are.'" Publishers Weekly (starred review) This book will make you tear up. It is a must-read for every person that has ever held dreams close to their hearts, whispered them to the sky, or lived to make them real. Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners "This book made my heart swell to the size of the moon. Nigel and the Moon is destined to become a classic that will inspire generations of readers to find the beauty in their day-to-day lives while also looking to the skies to dream big." Minh L, author of Drawn Together and Lift "A beautiful book. Eadys sensitive text and Zhangs gorgeous pictures combine in a story that conveys the richness of childrens daily lives and the cosmic splendor of their imaginations." Mac Barnett, New York Times Bestselling author of The Extra Yarn Nigel is todays Peter from The Snowy Daythis book will surely be an instant classic. Im pleased to have met Nigel through his story, and I know that every kid with dreams so bright will be inspired to share their dreams with the world, too. Don Tate, author-illustrator of William Still and His Freedom Stories Listenerswill empathize with the challenges that can make a school week drag out, and youngsters will also realize that Zhangs luminous moon is just a window away, willing to share confidences. Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books Glowing ink, gouache, and watercolor illustrations present deep blue spreads with a shining moon, in which Nigel flies through the night sky, sitting on and talking to the moon. Booklist Praise for the Nigel and the Moon audiobook: "This heartwarming story of authenticity shows children it is ok to share their truths aloud during the day or whisper them to the moon at night. Beautifully narrated." Booklist

Author Bio

Antwan Eady is a native of Garnett, South Carolina. Antwan is a graduate of Clemson University and the founder of #BlackCreatorsInKidLit, a movement that bridged the gap between publishing professionals and Black creators. When he isn't writing and organizing, Antwan's searching for the best Low Country boil in Savannah, GA where he currently resides. Visit him online at antwaneady.com. Gracey Zhang is an illustrator born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she received her BA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. She is the writer and illustrator of Lala's Words.