I Want to Go to the Moon - by Eric Zhang (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"This aspirational astronaut will inspire readers to follow their dreams--even the most far-fetched ones." - Kirkus Reviews

Sometimes dreams seem impossible. Like the thought of a mouse going to the moon. But ever since one mouse heard of a magical Cheese Mountain, he hasn't been able to forget it. Maybe if he works hard, he'll one day reach his dream in the sky . . .

Winner of the silver medal in the Key Colors China 2023 competition. This beautifully illustrated book by debut author/illustrator Eric Zhang inspires children to follow their dreams, no matter how big or how impossible they might seem. With its atmospheric artwork and uplifting message, I Want to Go to the Moon makes for a perfect bedtime read. Also available in Spanish.

An atmospheric book about a mouse who won't let himself be boxed in. For go-getters ages 5 years and up.

Review Quotes

"For this hungry hero, the sky is no limit.
The scent of a generous wedge of Swiss cheese enraptures a small rodent narrator. The mouse asserts that "everyone should take risks" and that cheese is worth risking "everything!" for. But this chunk sits on a restaurant table, and as our hero darts forth, people panic, and a broom-wielding headwaiter ousts the protagonist. So, "another day without cheese." Then a poster depicting a big round golden moon convinces the mouse that Earth's satellite is really the legendary "magical cheese mountain." The protagonist begins planning before making blueprints, gathering supplies, building a rocket, sewing a spacesuit, testing, and setting forth. Surprisingly the mouse turns out to be an ace welder and electrician. (No tiny safety glasses, though.) In mere months, everything, including a whole command center, is complete, and our hero rockets to a fanciful playland on a golden surface, where other rodent astronauts have gathered. Is the moon truly made of cheese? With all heads encased in clear helmets, no one is nibbling. But the text leaves no doubt that "dreams are always possible. Especially far-off dreams in the sky." Zhang's enchanting shadowy, atmospheric art is often lit with golden highlights. Some readers might find the message a pure fantasy endorsing limitless "wanting," while others will applaud the mouse's indefatigable work ethic; all will be charmed.
This aspirational astronaut will inspire readers to follow their dreams--even the most far-fetched ones. (Picture book. 5-8)" - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Eric Zhang, an illustrator from Chengdu, China, graduated from Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and Goldsmiths, University of London. He studies and works for children's literature and illustration, and specializes in combining children's picture books with digital painting and traditional media to present fantastic scenes with beautiful pictures.