When the Moon Comes - by Paul Harbridge (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The beaver flood has finally frozen--perfect ice, without a bump or a ripple. For the kids in town, it's Christmas in November. They wait, impatiently, for the right moment. Finally, it arrives: the full moon. They huff and puff through logging trails, farms, back roads and tamarack swamps, the powdery snow soaking pant legs and boots, till they see it--their perfect ice, waiting. And the game is on."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this atmospheric story, a group of kids play hockey on a frozen lake by moonlight. At once nostalgic and timely, this is a gorgeous book that will speak to readers young and old.

The beaver flood has finally frozen--perfect ice, without a bump or a ripple. For the kids in town, it's Christmas in November. They wait, impatiently, for the right moment.

Finally, it arrives: the full moon.

They huff and puff through logging trails, farms, back roads and tamarack swamps, the powdery snow soaking pant legs and boots, till they see it--their perfect ice, waiting.

And the game is on.

When the moon Comes is steeped in tradition and nostalgia: for hockey, for childhood, for a simpler time. The beauty of the text is matched by the brilliant, rich illustrations that wonderfully capture the magic of a moonlit night in winter.

Review Quotes

WINNER of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award (2018)
A TD Children's Literature Award Finalist (2018)
A Governor General's Literary Award Finalist (2017)
A Quill & Quire Best Kids' Book of the Year, Booksellers' Pick (2017)
One of CCBC'S Best Books for Kids & Teens (2018)

"The illustrations, with their burnished waning light, and the clipped-short narrative combine to create an atmosphere that for anyone who has experienced it will feel pitch-perfect." --STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

"Harbridge uses language to create a space where magic happens, providing an opportunity for extraordinary things to occur in an ordinary world... An exquisite selection for older elementary readers." --STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

"[A] luminous story of friendship and full-moon magic... Artist Matt James creates a winter wonderland in breathtaking illustrations that have texture and a sense of mystery. This one-of-a-kind moonlit adventure is sure to capture young imaginations." --Bookpage

"4/4... Harbridge takes the reader on a little journey to the pond along with the children from the community... We enjoy the game along with the children and feel and see all that they do thanks to the descriptive writing... Matt James' rich illustrations strengthen the story as, through his use of colour, they help us to imagine the depth of the cold... Serve with a cup of hot chocolate... Highly recommended." --CM Magazine

About the Author

PAUL HARBRIDGE is the author of the picture book Helena's Voyage and several published short stories. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he works as a speech-language pathologist with adults with developmental disabilities. He and his wife, Isabel, live in Etobicoke, Ontario, and are the proud parents of Daniel and Helena.

MATT JAMES is a painter, illustrator and musician. His books have won many prestigious awards, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, the New Mexico Book Award and the Governor General's Award. Matt lives in Toronto with his family.