Swimming to the Moon
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Hachette Children's Group
Published:14th Jul '16
Should be back in stock very soon
Swimming to the Moon is a heartfelt story from the author of A Room Full of Chocolate, exploring themes of courage and self-discovery. The narrative centers on a young girl named Bee, who prefers her simple nickname over her lengthy, formal name. Bee navigates the challenges of her life, characterized by her parents' constant arguments and the bullying she faces from a classmate named Crystal Kelly. Despite her struggles, Bee's whimsical nature shines through as she tries to avoid confrontation and keep her head in the clouds.
The turning point in Bee's journey occurs when she is dared by Crystal to participate in a sponsored swim in memory of her great-grandmother, Beatrix. This challenge is particularly daunting for Bee, as she harbors a deep fear of water and cannot swim. However, she feels compelled to confront her fears when new boy Moon-Star arrives, offering her support and companionship. His arrival introduces her to a vibrant new world, including Old Alice, a kind Traveller who lives in a beautifully painted wagon, further enriching Bee's life experiences.
Together, Bee and Moon-Star form a unique bond, making a pact to help each other grow. Moon-Star promises to teach Bee how to swim, while she will assist him with reading. Their friendship blossoms as they support one another in overcoming their individual challenges. Swimming to the Moon captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and the importance of facing one's fears, making it a relatable and inspiring read for young audiences.
Another brilliant book from the wonderfully talented Jane Elson * Chrissi Reads *
Jane Elson has crafted a truly special story about overcoming fears, dealing with grief and the power of friendship. A wonderfully empathetic and moving read... * Book Lover Jo *
I loved this book, the chapter structures, the language, the character development, the figure-of-eight shaped village, and most of all, Bee, as she gains in confidence under the supportive eye of those who show her they care. * Tanya Allsorts *
...gripping story with dramatic moments leading to an intense, heart-stopping climax. -- Debbie Williams * Primary Times *
Warm and dreamy with just the right amount of quirk for young readers to identify with if they feel like outsiders * Book Trust *
Fantastically inspirational stuff about friendships and growing up. -- Phil May * Read it Daddy *
Swimming to the Moon has it all. Cleverly written in first person, characters leap from the pages as real (and wildly imaginative) as can be ... A great story with fine structure, wonderful characters and a warm happy ending. * The School Librarian *
ISBN: 9781444927757
Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 21mm
Weight: 278g
320 pages