New Moon’s Family by Erika Adams, illustrated by Eric Soderstrom, tells the story in poem form of New Moon who is indeed a new moon. New Moon is lonely and sad, hidden away as she is in the darkness of the night sky and the shadow of the world, where no one can see her. She is jealous of the Sun who, since the beginning of the world, has lit the day and whom everyone loves. New Moon is inconsolable, crying, and miserable. But, the Sun is wise and loving and wants to help New Moon to understand that she is not alone but part of a family group that serves an important purpose, adding to the beauty of the night sky and our planet.

New Moon’s Family by Erika Adams is a beautiful picture book and a joy to read! Eric Soderstrom's illustrations are particularly imaginative and will enthrall younger readers. The poem that tells the story is wonderfully and skillfully written by the author. It reminds me of children’s books from when I was a young reader, in which the stories being told and the pictures went hand-in-hand. Not only does it teach readers a very human lesson about friendship and familial relationships and love, but it also teaches, still in poem form, about the monthly changes or phases that we can see in the moon and what each phase is called. Readers, young and old alike, are taught an astronomy lesson in a gorgeous book that would be an attractive addition to the bookshelf and a sure favorite of bedtime reading.

In New Moon's Family, by Erika Lynn Adams, the New Moon laments that the sun is so admired while it, the New Moon, cannot be seen by the world. The New Moon asks the sun why this is so, and the sun reminds the moon about its various phases. The moon then understands that, whatever phase it’s in, it’s still near the people of Earth. The story is meant as an analogy, that just as the New Moon is near, even though it can’t be seen, so those we love are also near, even though they're out of sight. There’s also a lesson in astronomy as the author explains the phases of the moon. The book is mostly written in rhyme and is intended for ages 6 through 8.

I enjoyed reading New Moon's Family by Erika Lynn Adams. The author’s premise is both clever and insightful. She does a wonderful job of applying the intended analogy to her audience. My children grew up far away from their grandmother, and this book would have helped them understand that even though she was far away from them, she was still close to them. I also liked the astronomy lesson; perhaps that will pique some children’s interest in the subject. The illustrations by Eric Soderstrom are beautiful and match the text perfectly. They add much to both the enjoyment of the book and its message. My children would have liked this book when they were the target age. I recommend it to children, their parents, and their grandparents.

New Moon’s Family is a children’s picture book that both educates kids about the moon’s phases and comforts them about missing loved ones who are not near. Erika L. Adams’s tale explores the relationship between the sun and the moon. When the New Moon is saddened by being in the dark, the Sun reminds her of the nearby Full Moon, Crescent Moon, Quarter Moon, and Gibbous Moon. The underlying storyline demonstrates that even when those you love may seem to be far away, your heart always holds them close. The story is told in a lyrical rhyming scheme and is supplemented by stunning graphics by Eric Soderstrom. This book packs a science lesson with a children’s fable, appropriate for kids in first to third grades.

Erika L. Adams has given readers a rare children’s book that succeeds in combining a whimsical rhyming story, a heartfelt message, and an astronomy lesson rolled into one satisfying package. The narrative allows readers to feel the emotions in the words as the story is read aloud. In addition to learning such concepts as the waning and waxing moon, children will also be able to relate to New Moon’s feelings regarding loved ones that you may not see but can still feel their loving presence in your heart. The cherry on top of New Moon’s Family is the intriguing and colorful illustrations. These include dramatic blue galaxies and the smiling faces of the Sun and the various Moon phases. This book is a gem and belongs in every school’s library and on every kid’s nightstand.

New Moon's Family is a children's rhyming tale by Erika Lynn Adams. This colorful picture book follows the story of New Moon, who sees everyone greeting the Sun, welcoming him in the morning sky, and graciously accepting his warmth. But when night takes over, New Moon doesn't get the same reception. She feels lonely and sad, envious of the Sun's light. She calls out to the Sun and shares her pain. Being wise and older, the Sun reminds New Moon of her loved ones who have always been in her memories and heart. Soon, one by one, Full Moon, Crescent, Quarter, and Gibbous reveal themselves and assure New Moon that they will always be there when she needs them. Reunited with her family, New Moon has never felt so happy.

No matter how far away our loved ones may seem, we feel their presence in our hearts. New Moon's Family is a delightful picture book celebrating family, love, friendship, and kinship. Through catchy rhymes and lovely illustrations, Erika Lynn Adams tells a beautiful story bound to win the hearts of young and older readers alike. It's a heartwarming tale that will brighten your day. Children will be able to relate to the character of New Moon, especially those with loved ones living far away from their homes. I loved the different versions of the Moon. Adams does a fantastic job of highlighting their distinct personalities using just a few words. The Sun is another character that readers will adore. All in all, it's an uplifting story that I highly recommend.

New Moon’s Family by Erika Lynn Adams tells the story of New Moon, who feels lonely and overshadowed by the Sun’s bright light. While the Sun brings warmth, joy, and light to the world, New Moon is hidden in darkness, feeling forgotten and sad. She wonders why people rejoice in the Sun’s presence while she remains unseen. Seeking answers, she calls out to the Sun, who gently reminds her that she is not alone. Sun encourages her to remember her lunar family—Full Moon, Crescent, Quarter, and Gibbous—who are always present in her heart, even if unseen. With this realization, New Moon finds comfort and joy in the love and support of her family, understanding that she will never be alone as long as she keeps them close. The story introduces the different phases of the moon, celebrating their unique beauty and the connections they share.

New Moon's Family by Erika Lynn Adams is a heartwarming tale that beautifully teaches young readers about love, belonging, and self-acceptance through the moon's phases. The writing is lyrical and soothing, and we are quickly brought into a magical world where New Moon, having feelings of loneliness, discovers her place among the lunar family. The story is deeply emotional, yet filled with genuine hope and, just as importantly, reassurance. Eric Soderstrom's illustrations are stunning, using a bold color palette that balances the contrasting elements of light and darkness. The gorgeous hues bring to life the unique personalities of each moon phase, giving faces to the Sun and Moon, and imbuing them with personality. Together, the storytelling and illustrations create a visually strong and thoughtful little story that will connect with young readers, reminding them that no matter how dark the night may seem, they are never truly alone.