This mostly wordless picture book is beautiful! The nighttime illustrations feel magical, and the story is sweet. I also like how the artist used panel art, introducing young readers to the flow of a graphic novel. This adds even more details to the story, and the format and radiant illustrations help this book stand out among others with a similar premise.

what an absolutely pleasant read. I read within a few minutes and the book left me feeling so cosy and happy. Kids would love it for sure but so did I as an adult. The artwork is really cute and pretty and it's admirable how it managed to tell such a wholesome story with almost no words! I would love to own a copy of this whenever it is available in my country. I'll be looking forward to other works from the author as well. I'll read/show this book to the kids in my life. a perfect five star read!!! Thank you so much netgalley, the publisher, and the author for letting me have a review copy.

Moon Bear is a beautifully illustrated book that relies on pictures to communicate it's story. When Mommy puts Ettie to bed and turns out the lights, Ettie's fear of the dark takes over. But one night, a crack in the curtains lets the light of the moon in, and the light comes alive to introduce Moon Bear in Ettie's bedroom. While Ettie is afraid of the dark, Moon Bear is afraid of the light. In their playful night together, Ettie helps Moon Bear overcome it's fear through gentle play with things like flashlights and string lights, while Moon Bear helps Ettie see that the darkness isn't so terrible. Moon Bear has returned to the sky by the time Ettie wakes up the next morning, but her excitement to see them again has her excited for bedtime the following night.

This beautiful story has rich illustrations and will allow for creative storytelling and for children to come up with their own ways to explore and express what is happening in the story. It communicates how friendship and support can help you overcome your fears and makes it clear that you don't have to do things alone.

‘Moon Bear’ is a perfect read for young readers. An absolutely beautiful picture book with very few words about a young girl who is afraid of the dark, so instead she makes friends with it. Specifically, the little Moon Bear who comes to visit her.

I would have loved something like this when I was younger. I could see this resonating with a lot of young children who are just as scared of the dark.

It’s imaginative and creative. The illustration are beautifully gentle which helps to capture the essence of the story. It was a sweet read, especially seeing how overjoyed the little girl was with her new found friendship. There were hardly any words, yet I found that there didn’t need to be. The images alone told us enough.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful picture book. The illustrations are wonderfully done and very colourful and adorable.

A beautifully illustrated story about a young girl learning to get over her fear of the dark by making friends with it, ore more precisely with the bear that appears in her room when it's dark out and the moon shines in.

The story is told with very few (i.e almost none) words, and that works well. Not sure if I would have trouble with this as a read along with my child at bedtime, but I can definitely see it as being something that a child who doesn't know how to read could thumb through and understand on their own. They'd feel like a big kid doing that. And once they read through it with mom or dad for the very few parts where there is text, then they would have no problem understanding it. I think that's the beauty of how it is told.

Oh, and the illustration is so pretty. Soft and detailed at the same time.

All in all, a good picture book that would make a great gift. It would also work well as a way to talk about fear of the dark and maybe to come up with some techniques to get over that fear.

The illustrations are so beautiful I love the introduction into star gazing while being so imaginative! I love how there were few words, but so important and adorable!

I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a completely delightful almost wordless picture book. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, my daughter would go absolutely nuts for this book. The art is breathtaking, the moon bear is so sweet, and the little girl's enthusiasm at their friendship is so satsifying.

This book is absolutely GORGEOUS. Some of the most beautiful illustrations I've ever seen. And a bold choice to have so few words throughout. Definitely recommending (and purchasing) for parents of toddlers and reluctant readers.

Totally visual delight! The story is that of a little one who falls asleep to become beguiled by the stars in the sky, especially the Ursa.
The illustrations by Carolina T. Godina are multiple, imaginative, colorful, and representative.
There are remarkably few words but it is great for sharing WITH someone of any age, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from the
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 04 Jun 2024 #NightSky

Moon Bear is the perfect picture book for a cozy and comforting read. There are very few words, but this simplicity encourages the reader to use their imagination to create their own story. The illustrations are charming and create a magical atmosphere for the story to unfold. It’s easy to imagine Moon Bear becoming a regular entry in bedtime reading hour.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

Although this book has very few words, the message is clear. The illustrations were beautiful and the story was magical. Perfect book for little ones who are visual learners!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This is another children's book that reminded me of one of my favorite authors growing up - Jan Brett. This book was adorable and so, so sweet. I loved this story and highly recommend this book!

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The illustrator has made good use of colours throughout the entire book.

The book gives children room to use their imagination in this mainly picture book about a girl who's scared of the dark meet a magical moon bear who is afraid of the light. This is a great story for little ones who are afraid of the dark.

This books is fantastic! The illustrations are so beautiful I love the introduction into star gazing while being so imaginative! My daughter will absolutely love this book and we cannot wait to buy a copy! I love how there were few words, but so important and adorable!

Honestly loved this book. The illustrations are magical and thought it was a great way to be creative with the storytelling. You can make this a story with a little one you're reading too and because there are minimal words, allow the little one to be a part of the storytelling with you. If this wasn't available on Netgalley, I might not have thought to look at getting this as a special book to read between me and my niece, but I would absolutely do so now.

"Moon Bear" by Clare Helen Welsh is a masterful exploration of childhood fears, friendship, and the power of imagination, all conveyed through a narrative that speaks volumes without relying heavily on words. This enchantingly illustrated, almost wordless picture book captures the heart with its simple yet profound storytelling, making it a treasure for readers of all ages.

At its core, "Moon Bear" is the story of Ettie, a young girl who is afraid of the dark, a fear that is beautifully juxtaposed with that of a magical moon bear, who fears the light. The brilliance of Welsh's storytelling lies in its simplicity and the way it taps into universal fears, making Ettie's journey one that many can relate to. The moment when Ettie discovers the magic of moonlight in her room is depicted with such wonder and magic that it invites readers to remember the joy of discovering something new and incredible in their world.

The illustrations in "Moon Bear" are nothing short of mesmerizing. They carry the narrative forward, filling the spaces between the few words with vibrant imagery and emotion. The use of light and shadow, the contrast between the dark of Ettie's room and the luminous glow of the moon bear, all contribute to a visual storytelling experience that is both enchanting and deeply comforting. The images of Ettie dancing with moonlight on her hands or connecting the stars in the sky bring a sense of awe and wonder that is truly captivating.

The relationship that develops between Ettie and the moon bear is heartwarming and serves as the emotional core of the book. As they help each other overcome their fears, the story unfolds into a beautiful message about empathy, courage, and the power of friendship. This dynamic is presented with such grace and tenderness that it reinforces the book's message about facing one's fears, whether it be the fear of the dark or the fear of the light.

"Moon Bear" also celebrates the power of visual communication, proving that stories can be told in ways that transcend words. Through its illustrations, the book encourages children to interpret and understand emotions and narratives visually, fostering creativity and imagination. This aspect makes "Moon Bear" not only a story about overcoming fear but also a tool for visual literacy and emotional intelligence.

"Moon Bear" is a beautifully crafted picture book that speaks directly to the heart. Its almost wordless narrative, combined with stunning illustrations, creates a magical experience that encourages children to be brave and face their fears, while also delighting in the power of imagination and the beauty of visual storytelling. This book is a gentle, luminous beacon in children's literature, offering comfort, joy, and a profound understanding of the emotional landscape of childhood.

Ettie is afraid of the dark. This beautifully illustrated wordless story allows the reader to interpret using their own voice the journey from fear to reassurance.

As with most children the fear of the dark is real. The moonlight shining through draws upon their inquisitive nature to investigate. The moonlight adds a layer of comfort as it is not entirely dark. This books draws upon the constellations visible in the night sky in particular Ursa Major / Ursa Minor (the bears). Together Ettie and the bear explore and understand each other’s fears with Ettie afraid of the dark and the bear afraid of the light. Together they make peace and Ettie is able to sleep and at the end appears eager for bedtime.

My little one liked the illustrations and they allowed him to create additional connections including friendship.

It has beautiful illustrations and it is great for toddlers. It is not overwhelmed with words and it is great to just narrate the story with your own words. You can definitely feel through the illustrations the way that the child feels.

Moon Bear is a richly illustrated children’s books with few written words. The child is afraid of the dark and the moon bear is afraid of the light. Together they comfort each other at bedtime.