The Moon's Journey

A story about immigration, The Moon’s Journey by Beryl Young and Sean Huang reminds readers that immigration Is something that has been happening for many, many years.

Faith has to leave Wales with her family and travel to Canada to start a new life. Her father is already there getting things set up but she really doesn’t want to go. She doesn’t want to say goodbye to all her friends but especially the moon. She travels by boat over 2000 nautical miles (over 4000 kms) and is worried she will never see the moon again. Thankfully the moon has made the trip to Canada with her.

This delightful story suitable for older readers tells one family’s story about the immigration experience. Set in the 1950s, readers gain an appreciation for life back when many of the grandparents were young children. Through reading The Moon’s Journey, readers can compare the experience of people who immigrated back in the 1950s to the experiences of those who are immigrating in the 2020s. Beryl Young takes the touching tale found at the Pier 21 Museum in Nova Scotia and translates it to the page for young readers. The Moon’s Journey is a wonderful reminder to all that most of us here in Canada are only here because of immigration.

Sean Huang’s illustrations reflect the illustrative style in the 1950s. His pictures very much have a Little Golden Book feel to them and lend themselves perfectly to the depictions of life back then while not feeling too dated. The two page spreads filled with colour and dreamy nostalgia invite readers to take a trip back in time.