Some books offer wisdom in many, nuanced layers in the interplay of a compelling trio of characters, plot and setting. After 8 years of childrens books, I have an enthusiastic affinity for the stories created by authors and illustrators written and drawn for people younger than 10. Last week, the newest entrant is Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel published in 2019 by Candlewick Press (ISBN: 978-0-7636-8169-2).
This is a chapter book for young bookworms with 7 chapters over 58 pages where most pages have 1-2 short paragraphs rather than 1-2 sentences.
I was enjoying reading the book to the 4 1/2 year old though the 3rd chapter notified me that this was a spectacular tale. At some point during the first read through, Wild Honey reminded me of the Brambley Hedge series written and illustrated by Jill Barklem published in 1980 as the setting, characters and storylines were profound. These books offer world-building for young children.
When Mother Shrew arrives to the moon, the twists in the story kept us enthralled as she encounters obstacles after challenges and threats and she stays undeterred. This is the universal archetype of the loving and ferocious mother (or other parent) who is plopped down on the near then far sides of the moon. There are the familiar behaviors such as the soothing song that alleviates stress and the bizarrely fantastical such as navigating a hostile army.
For me, the climax is when Mother Shrew says,
SILENCE…. So step aside. I am a mother on a mission, and I will not be held back!
We have read Wild Honey three more times in the days since and this is a story to share again and again.
washing dishes: a father’s glimpses 