The Moon Moved In

by Sue Soltis, Sonia Sanchez (Illustrator)

Overview

THREE STARRED REVIEWS

What would happen if the moon moved in next door? A funny and original story about an unexpected friendship, the essential role of the moon, and our power to connect, even from far away.

“Perfectly captures the curiosity and delight of a child’s mind. Adults could learn a thing or two.”—Aaron Becker, author-illustrator of Caldecott Honor–winning picture book Journey

When the Moon moves into the long-empty house next door, all the rooms fill up with light—and Stella finally has a friend. But without the Moon in orbit, the world is going topsy-turvy. The tides stop, and the Earth has a new wobble. Stella worries, but the Moon just wants to stay and garden. Can Stella convince the Moon that life on Earth needs the Moon back in orbit? And what will become of her wish for a friend next door?

EDUCATIONAL AND HEARTWARMING: This deeply felt story of an unusual friendship also celebrates the Moon’s role in the natural workings of the world. Fun facts about the moon's impact on our planet’s environment, animals, and humans are included at the front and back of the book!

PRIORITIZING THE PLANET: Stella realizes that even though she loves having her friend close, the consequences are too significant. She learns to prioritize her planet over herself, supporting Moon in returning to his place in the sky and resuming his role. But she also learns that Moon is never far away!

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD: This clever moon book for kids features a scientifically minded female protagonist who loves the Earth’s smallest creatures, is concerned for everyone’s well-being, and is interested in space.

BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING GIFT: Perfect for future scientists, aspiring astronomers, moon lovers, bug lovers, and budding gardeners—as well as anyone looking for a new friend. 

Perfect for: 

• Anyone who loves the moon
• Kids who enjoy science facts and learning about the environment
• Parents and educators looking for picture books with astronomical or STEM themes
• Readers interested in stories with strong themes of friendship and social-emotional learning

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452180717
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Pages:	52
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD610L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Sue Soltis is the author of the picture books Nothing Like a Puffin, illustrated by Bob Kolar, and The Stars Just Up the Street, illustrated by Christine Davenier. Ever since she wrote her first poems in a Snoopy notebook at age twelve, she’s been hooked on writing. She lives with her family in North Carolina, where she brings marvelous things to their yard by planting native trees and flowers, composting, and hosting mason bees.

Sonia Sánchez is the illustrator of Here I Am, for which she was nominated for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for interior art, and Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away. She has been selected twice to participate in the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. She lives with her husband, son, and a sleepyhead cat in Barcelona, Spain.

Editorial Reviews

★"An adorable, funny, educational, and gorgeously illustrated picture book that will have teachers and children over the moon.” — School Library Journal, Starred Review

★ — “The beautifully paced narrative contains the specificity, restraint, and humor that make for a truly great picture-book read. A lovely foray into a world of mystery and beauty, longing and delight. “ — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review 

★ "The Moon Moved In is a charming, delightfully eccentric story with artwork that creates a tangible, welcoming world you never want to leave."—Bookpage, Starred Review 

“The story is multifaceted, with important lessons on friendship, sacrifice, and belonging… The Moon Moved In is sure to become a favorite bedtime story.” — Booklist 

 “Perfectly captures the curiosity and delight of a child’s mind. Adults could learn a thing or two.”—Aaron Becker, author-illustrator of Caldecott Honor–winning picture book Journey

From the Publisher

★ 2025-04-04
Yearning for a playmate to move into the empty house next door, Stella doesn’t miss a beat when the Moon takes up residence.

The youngster ventures into the adjacent yard, greeting the celestial being, whose color (blue or white) and shape (spherical or crescent) vary with the setting. Stella’s sensitive approach encourages the orb to admit to feelings of loneliness and boredom in the sky; the Moon also longs to plant things. When Stella points out that the Moon has a neighbor now, the Moon beams. The beautifully paced narrative contains the specificity, restraint, and humor that make for a truly great picture-book read. Textured digital compositions create changing moods as they move from starlit, inky night scenes to progressively more colorful, cheerful images of the Moon’s burgeoning garden. Black endpapers foreground classical topographical views of the moon, along with facts that underscore the unfolding plot. People and the natural world are affected by the Moon’s absence, so tides aren’t moving, the Earth is wobbling, and midnight cruises have been canceled. The Moon is unperturbed, but as the orb’s role in nature becomes clearer, the Moon relents and returns home. A girl Stella’s age eventually moves in, and friendship blossoms, even as there are subtle, welcomed signals of the Moon’s nearness. Stella is tan-skinned and dark-haired; her new friend is pale-skinned and red-haired.

A lovely foray into a world of mystery and beauty, longing and delight.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews