I'll Be the Moon - by Phillip D Cortez (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The moon inspires and shepherds the child and mother on their journey North to reunite with her father. It also reminds her of home and her abuela and her small town. Most importantly, the moon helps her dream and pushes her forward. I'll Be the Moon shows how la luna brings light to the darkness and guides us to those we love"--

Book Synopsis

I'll Be the Moon is a heartening immigration story about a child's courage and the distance traveled to be with loved ones.

2024 INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD FINALIST FOR MOST INSPIRATIONAL CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK

"Bold hope is the theme of this picture book." --Foreword Reviews

In her journey North, a child is shepherded by the moon as she aims to reunite with her father across the border. With vivid and picturesque words by Phillip D. Cortez and imaginative illustrations by Mafs Rodríguez Alpide, I'll Be the Moon shows how la luna brings light to the darkness and guides us to those we love.

PRAISE FOR I'LL BE THE MOON

"Poetic and moving, I'll Be The Moon is the rare bedtime story that begins only as the book ends." --Elizabeth Gonzalez James, author of Mona at Sea and The Bullet Swallower

"Cortez's simple but rich telling of a child's view of crossing the desert brilliantly engages all of the senses as you follow the desert path with the moon as a familiar guide." --Rebecca Calderon, Ysleta ISD (TX) Library & Innovative Learning Department

"This is a great children's book to teach imagery and figurative language with!" --Meg Libertucci, Little Free Library steward (NY)

Review Quotes

"Eloquent, elegant, memorable, I'll Be the Moon: A Migrant Child's Story is a very special and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-8."-- "Midwest Book Review"

"Cortez writes a spirited, deeply-written poem in the voice of a migrant child.--Nanny Miss Monique, Childcare Industry Influencer and Early Literacy Advocate

"Poetic and moving, I'll Be The Moon is the rare bedtime story that begins only as the book ends."--Elizabeth Gonzalez James, author of Mona at Sea and The Bullet Swallow

"Bold hope is the theme of this picture book."-- "Foreword Reviews"

"I can't wait to share this heartwarming and beautifully written story with my students!"--Veronica Perez, Patlan Elementary Librarian, Seguin ISD (TX)

"Phillip D. Cortez has given voice to a story most of us cannot even fathom. His gracious words convey the depth and strength of the human spirit."--Calvin Crosby, co-owner of The King's English and Brain Food Books

"This book connects family, sacrifice, and memories in a sweet story about a young girl longing to be reunited with her father. The moon is her constant companion, and a reminder that her father's love knows no borders. The story is a relatable tale of a child, like many around the world, who wish for nothing more than to be a family under the moon again."--Olga Elbancol, 2023 Librarian of the Year at Socorro ISD (Texas)

"A lovely story about dreams, what it's like to leave everything behind and letting the moon guide you home."--Martina Ultras, Las Vegas NV

"Cortez's simple but rich telling of a child's view of crossing the desert brilliantly engages all of the senses as you follow the desert path with the moon as a familiar guide."--Rebecca Calderon, Ysleta ISD (TX) Library & Innovative Learning Department

"This is a great children's book to teach imagery and figurative language with!"--Meg Libertucci, Little Free Library steward (NY)

About the Author

Phillip D. Cortez became fascinated with books and stories early in his life. It wasn't long before he wanted to write his own stories. He's the writer of two other children's books: Night Rhythms (2011) and When I Close My Eyes (2013). Cortez still loves to read and, with his wife, Patty, is now fascinated by the many stories told by their four children: Ivan, Cameron, Ava, and Zoe. He lives in El Paso, Texas, with his family.

Mafs Rodríguez Alpide is a designer who lives in Mexico City. She was interested in the cultural and artistic world from a very young age. With a very active imagination and a lot of hard work, she went from doodling in her free time to a degree in Illustration at the School of Arts and Design at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Currently, she is working on creating new characters and imagining new worlds daily to reach her dreams.