Moonlight Travelers

by: Hugh Plant; Illustrated by Sarah Kenyon Nygaard

Published by: Beaver Pond Press

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

Mr. Lopps has been sick–and now he has disappeared. His friends, Pig Girl, Buckminster, and Baby, decide to go look for him. Buckminster lives with someone who builds things, so he builds a flying machine so they can go out looking for Mr. Lopps.

The next night, Baby flies the plane while Pig Girl and Buckminster ride along. They can’t find Mr. Lopps anywhere until they meet the Old One who guides them to a beautiful valley—but they can only visit for a moment. There they find Mr. Lopps.

Mr. Lopps promises that he loves his new home and his new friends, but reminds his old friends that he is only a memory away.

Moonlight Travelers was inspired when someone close to Hugh Plant lost their pet rabbit. He wanted to create a safe and beautiful place where animals go when they leave us. It is a beautiful story, and my six year old enjoyed hearing it. My two year old couldn’t keep still long enough for it, so I’m guessing this book is geared more for early elementary age children.

If you or someone close to you recently lost a pet, or if you expect to, then make sure you pick up Moonlight Travelers. It is sure to be a comfort for children as they struggle with the loss of their pet. Might even help with the loss of family members or friends too.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice way to help children grieve.