Dr. Jon Jon Saves the Moon

by Jackson Apollo Mancini

Overview

WINNER OF THE 2024 SILVER NAUTILUS AWARD IN SPECIAL HONORS: CHILDREN’S FICTION DEBUT AUTHOR

The children on Earth see there’s something wrong with the moon, but it isn’t until they send Dr. Jon Jon to give the moon a checkup that we learn the truth. Dr. Jon Jon Saves the Moon gives us an important lesson: our planet is sick and we must work together to care for it.

Since the beginning of time, kids have looked into the night sky and seen a glowing white moon and twinkling stars. But over time, they started to notice the moon had turned green! Dr. Jon Jon Saves the Moon is the story of what happens when we forget to take care of the world around us. The children of Earth send Dr. Jon Jon to give the moon a checkup and when he comes back, he has a message: the moon is a reflection of what we do to our precious planet and we must work together to care for our one and only home.

Dr. Jon Jon Saves the Moon follows in the footsteps of Greta Thunberg and the many other young people fighting for the health of our planet. Join Dr. Jon Jon on a trip to the moon and back and get inspired to help save the world!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781582707617
Publisher:	Beyond Words Publishing
Publication date:	04/20/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.60(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

When Jackson Apollo Mancini isn't in school you can find him exploring the natural world where he is passionate about animal rights and the health of our planet. Five-year-old Jackson, one of the youngest authors to be published in the United States, enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and languages, playing with friends, and dreaming up new inventions. You might even find him picking up litter in his community! Jackson currently resides in Alaska with his family.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a strong message to present, especially from an author (Jackson Apollo Mancini) who is only 5 years old. The illustrations by Arielle Trenk help keep the story at a young reader’s level."

Green Teacher Magazine

2021-01-13
When the moon turns green a child suggests asking NASA to send a specialist to ask it why.

“I look green from the surface of the planet because my friend the Earth is actually sick,” replies the moon—a line that points to the actual, cogent message that our home, not its satellite, is what needs healing. Once the “moon doctor” (depicted in Trenk’s bland cartoons as a White man, sadly missing the opportunity to diversify STEM) returns to Earth and “excitedly share[s] what the moon had told him,” everyone—mostly children in the otherwise racially diverse cast, though even the grown-ups have a childlike look—realizes that their lands and seas are strewn with garbage and understands that all creatures need “a nice clean place to live.” So the great cleanup is accomplished (though, realistically, not “overnight”), and curing the disease cures the symptom as the moon, its golden glow restored, smiles down at the doctor in a final serene scene. While it’s hard not to wonder whether the then-4-year-old author had more than a bit of help with the writing, it’s an ingenious premise, as even readers who know better will start unconsciously checking the moon for a greenish tinge…and then remembering why.

Out of the mouths of babes too, now. Maybe it’s time to get on the stick. (websites) (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews