Captivating text, ideal for reading aloud.

The New York Times

The Moon Is a Ball – Stories of Panda and Squirrel

Philosophical, wise, funny and wonderfully illustrated stories about an unbreakable friendship between a panda and a squirrel, from two world greats of children’s literature.

Panda and Squirrel can’t live without each other and do everything together: lie on the rocks to look at the moon, take walks, play games. One of their journeys lasts for only two steps, another day they discover a newly hatched duckling. Sometimes they argue but they always make up again. This is a friendship for any day: roaring, quiet, grumbling, snoring…always.

This down-to-earth, warmhearted friendship story reaches straight from the soul of one six-year-old to another.

Written by Ed Franck, one of Belgium’s most important and innovative children’s writers, and illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing, a world-leading illustrator for children, whose many accolades include nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

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  • Book Details

    Country of Origin Belgium
    Reader Age 5-7 year, 6-8 year
    Book Size
    ISBN

  • Reviews

    1. Wardini Books

      One of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen in a children’s book.


  • Reviews

    1. Telling Tales Bookstore, Top picks 2023

      Whimsical, charming, delightful.

    2. Association of California Libraries

      Reminiscent of classics such as Winnie the Pooh and Frog and Toad.

    3. All Done Monkey Blog

      These stories are perfect for emerging readers or for reading aloud together.

    4. The School Reading List

      A sweet collection of tales that will appeal to fans of Julia Donaldson and A.A. Milne.

    5. Just Imagine

      Thoughtful and insightful.

    6. Spirituality & Practice

      Delightfully original storytelling.

    7. The New Zealand Herald

      The stories are nuggets of wisdom, delightful in the same way that children’s questions and comments can make grown-ups stop and wonder.

    8. Wardini Books

      One of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen in a children’s book.

    9. Lancashire Evening Post

      Ideal for youngsters starting to read alone, or to share with adults at bedtime, and gorgeously illustrated, each story in this collection is beautifully imagined.

    10. School Reading List

      Thought-provoking and ideal to spark circle time discussion.

    11. Red Reading Hub

      This new animal partnership is worthy to sit alongside Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories and Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie.

    12. Unity Books Wellington

      For any fans of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse this is the book for you and your young ones.

    13. Read with a Rescue

      My 3- and 6- year old girls are loving this as a nightly read aloud.

    14. The New York Times

      Captivating text, ideal for reading aloud.

    15. Publishers Weekly

      As Franck models charming rapport and low-stakes companionship, Tjong-Khing’s delicate artwork provides nature-filled scenes of glorious suns and a bamboo forest.

    16. Shelf Awareness

      Striking artwork and sweet, funny stories.

    17. Booklist

      Full of heart and gentle humor, Panda and Squirrel are sure to please.

    18. Youth Services Book Review

      Perfect for animal loving children and their families.

    19. Foreword Reviews

      An upbeat, curiosity-inducing early reader.

    20. School Library Journal, Betsy Bird

      Built to be shared aloud.


Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.

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