Mooncat and Me

Mooncat and Me is the fresh and colourful debut from author/illustrator Lydia Corry. Revolving around the theme of coping with anxiety, Mooncat and Me focuses on a young girl called Pearl, her new move to the big city and how the power of her imaginary friend boosts her confidence to deal with such a big change.

Coming from a background of illustrations, it is no surprise to find that Lydia Corry has filled this book with colourful pages that are full of busy people filling the streets, buses and homes. It is easy to look into the lives of the individuals within the book and see how they are leading their lives. Mooncat's own calm reassuring presence also shines through thanks to Lydia's artwork and it is easy to see why Pearl feels a sense of comfort around Mooncat. With the help of Mooncat, Pearl develops the confidence to explore the vibrant new city with her mother and is soon making brand new friends, friends which in turn help her settle into her school.

We can all empathise with Pearl's fear of being new to something or somewhere in our lives but as we watch her grow in confidence with every turn of a page, we (as readers) remember that there is nothing we can't do when we add a bit of imagination and determination to the scenario. With the end of the summer holidays in sight, this text makes the perfect gift for any young children starting to feel anxious about starting school.

Mooncat and Me will no doubt prove to be a worthwhile addition to school libraries and book corners as staff utilise its message to comfort children of any age as they deal with life changes.

Picture book / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+