“Just because you don't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. Some of the most wonderful things in the world are invisible. Trusting in invisible things makes them more powerful and wondrous.” ~Kelly Barnhill, The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Every year the Elders of the Protectorate bring a baby to be sacrificed to the witch in the woods. They leave the baby to die in a clearing and the Protectorate is safe for another year. Little do they know that the witch, Xan, is actually kind and doesn’t require or want any sacrifices. She is actually confused when she finds the first baby, but she takes care of it and brings it to a village through the woods.
There Xan makes sure to find a happy family for the baby. This is repeated year after year, until Xan picked up one of the babies and accidentally lets it drink moonlight. That kind of magic could be tricky for a regular family to deal with and the baby is just so sweet. Xan decides to bring her home to raise her, and names the little one Luna. It is soon clear that Luna has magic that can’t be controlled because she doesn’t understand the way life works yet. Xan does what she has to in order to protect Luna from herself and together they live a happy life at their home in the bog, with their swamp monster, and a very tiny dragon. But in the Protectorate there is someone who has always been haunted by the sacrifices and vows to put an end to the witch. Is there really an evil force preying on the village? Will Luna ever learn to control her magic? What really happened to all those babies? You’ll have to soak in the pages of this story to find out!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is the first book I’ve read by the author, and it won’t be the last! I was curious about it since I first saw it and I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer. I adored the characters and they each added so much to the story. I was very intrigued by the world that was described- half bog and half woods. The book has a lot of messages for readers, about the things we don’t say, love, acceptance, and doing what is right. This seemed like a modern day fairy tale to me and it is a story that will appeal to readers in fourth grade and up who enjoy magic and books that take place in other worlds. The writing is beautiful. A book filled with all kinds of emotions- it is one that will make you think.
Has anyone else read The Girl Who Drank the Moon? Or have you read another book by Kelly Barnhill? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~ L
This sounds very much my cup of tea! Thanks for sharing, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie- It really is a delightful and magical story. Enjoy! :) ~F
DeleteThat sounds like a great one indeed. Drinking moonlight is a neat idea.
ReplyDeletePat- I thought it was very creative! :) ~F
DeleteUnique idea. Sounds like some villager is just going to mess up that great life with the monster and dragon.
ReplyDeleteAlex- It is a really unique idea and the humans in the story definitely keep things interesting. :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds so fun! I always love to see the creativity of writers who target young people. Definitely want to share this magical treat with my granddaughter. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRo- It is a beautifully written story and seems like a modern day fairy tale. I think your granddaughter will love it. :) ~F
DeleteI love the title and cover, and it sounds like a lovely book. I haven't read anything yet by this author, but this makes me want to.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth- This was my first book by this author and it makes me want to look up more of her books asap. :) ~F
DeleteOMG...I read and loved this book! It was beautiful!
ReplyDeletePatty- I remember seeing it on your blog. So glad I got to read it. It really is beautiful. :) ~Stephanie
DeleteI haven't read it but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteMary- I loved it! :) ~F
DeleteIf I had come across it I would have read it in a heart beat. It is right up my (very broad) alley. Thank you for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteEC- I hope you come across it soon. You really will love it. Beautiful writing. :) ~F
DeleteI'm adding this book to my list, for when, if, I ever catch up. A story about babies touches my heart. I think they read this in my Good Reads mg group but not sure, and I didn't read it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- It is also available on audio and the narrator does a fabulous job. Could be a good way to fit it in. Enjoy! :) ~F
DeleteI haven't read this one but sounds good.
ReplyDeleteNasreen- It really is! :) ~F
DeleteHi DMS and L - this sounds an amazing book ... and love that it is set in two worlds: a wood and a bog, as well as that land beyond ... the moon - sounds great - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- The bog is so important to the story and the characters and worlds created are captivating. Thanks for visiting. :) ~F
DeleteOh yes, away to add this to my wish list. Everything from the title to the cover to the synopsis to your review makes me want to read this.
ReplyDeleteTracy- I think you will love this magical story. Isn't the cover great! :) ~F
DeleteYay! So glad you liked this book a bunch :D I enjoyed it too; it's so gorgeous. So happy you loved the characters and the writing :) Lovely review sweetie. <3
ReplyDeleteCarina- Thanks for stopping by. This book was a real treat! :) ~F
DeleteOh, that sounds cute. How funny that she wasn't expecting the 'sacrifices'.
ReplyDeleteSophia- I thought the book was very clever and I was so happy that babies weren't really being sacrificed. :) ~F
DeleteI don't read a lot of books for this age group, but I loved the cover so much that I picked it up. And I loved it.
ReplyDeleteKate- I was drawn in by the cover too. Glad you picked this one up, read it, and loved it too. :) ~F
DeleteHeidi- The story is so lovely. The writing is beautiful and the story is intriguing. Definitely a must read! :) ~F
ReplyDeleteOH, I've so been wanting to read this book! Just the cover and title are intriguing alone!
ReplyDeleteDonna- It really is fabulous. I think you will love it. :) ~L
DeleteI've seen this one around and it looks just wonderful! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it--I'll have to add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- It's a story that anyone can enjoy for sure. :) ~L
DeleteSounds a magical book, thanks for sharing here.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- It really is! :) ~L
DeleteThe book sounds magical!
ReplyDeleteChristine! It is SO magical! :) ~L
DeleteSounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Armchair Squid- It will appeal to readers of all ages and especially fairy tale fans. :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds like a lovely read.
ReplyDeleteSandra- I loved it! :) ~L
DeleteI think I'm going to have to read this one!! Thanks for sharing! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- I think you will love it! :) ~L
DeleteSounds good. Cute cover and title, too :)
ReplyDeleteAnna- It is such a pretty cover and the title is lovely. The story goes with both perfectly. :) ~L
DeleteI like this. It sounds like a thrilling story!
ReplyDeleteKelly- It is! Lots happens! :) ~L
DeleteI really like the sound of this book. I do agree that just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. I also really like the sound of this one being good for those who like a magical story and it makes them think as well.
ReplyDeleteOlivia- This book is so beautifully written and the story is wonderful. I hope you get a chance to read it. :) ~L
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