The Moon is Always Round
Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.
In this beautiful, full-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life.
A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God’s goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God’s goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can’t always see it.
Reviews (43)
A wonderful book, especially for families who have gone through this
Lost your baby? Or do you know someone who did? A baby that didn't make it home from the hospital, or was stillborn? And were there other littles who were aware of what happened, who were disappointed not to bring home a baby brother or sister? Now there is a theologically rock-solid, graphically-captivating book just for you. One of the most precious children's books Nancy and I have read: we were fighting back the tears. The author - a prof at Westminster Seminary Philadelphia - tells the story of the loss of his own daughter at 39 weeks, and how he and his wife helped their 3 year-old son figure it out through a simple catechism that remembers that in whatever phase it appears, the moon is always round. In the same way, whatever the circumstances suggest, God is always good. This book would be a huge help, I would think, for any believing family with youngsters who has been through such heartbreak.
Great Theology, Great Book
I have purchased 6 copies of this book so far, having given 5 away. Today I am ordering 2 more. I LOVE this book, and would give it more stars if available. The simple thesis: God is good even when you don't feel it, just as the moon is always round even when you can't see it, is solid, deep, and difficult. The artwork is superb. I have given the book to adults, not kids, who are undergoing difficult trama. Kids too need this truth, as they will also experience death, but I'll let their parents read this to them if they want. I just can't say enough positive about it. If you can communicate deep truth at a child's level, you have accomplished something great. This book is great. danielcooley.com
Wonderful Timeless lesson!
A thesaurus would be required to ensure I did not miss a descriptive superlative! It is amazing! While the book is written primarily for children, the lesson is timeless and ageless. God is always good and the Moon is always round. Even when we can't see the whole moon or see the goodness of God in a hard or tragic situation... the moon remains round and God remains good! For those children who may not have been taught these Biblical truths early in their lives it will be helpful to read and teach the Catechism on the last page. Read the suggestions on the previous 2 pages. This book should be pulled out and re-read often.
Wonderful, emotional
Really great story of God's never-changing love for us, through the difficulties of life. Gave it only 4 stars because my children didn't understand the message when they read it. It thought they would as they are not slow kids, but they didn't really get it, though they liked it. So plan on explaining before having a conversation about the themes.
Grieving for stillborn child
This book is specifically about a family that has a stillborn child. I feel like this is a different kind of grief that having lost someone you knew. When I read this book to my son it was sad and confusing for him because of how weighty that is.
Simple, lovely book.
This is an excellent book. While it's simple message is for the very young and is related to the difficult topic of losing a baby, the comforting truth in it is applicable for anyone.
lovely story line
sweet book that gives parents great opportunity to share their love regardless of their circumstances--now or in the future
Sweet book
Seeet
This topic of often avoided
This is without doubt a difficult subject for young family members BUT it is absolutely necessary. "The Moon is Always Round" does an excellent job of communicating the concept to young people. I have read it to, and discussed it with, all four of my grandkiddos.
Lovely, comforting story
Trigger warning: Our first ultrasound showed a little, moon shaped baby whose heart was slowing. After realizing that we weren't going to be able to hold this little one in this lifetime, I spiraled into mourning for a few weeks. A group for women experiencing miscarriages on Facebook brought up this book. Ever since seeing baby in that first ultrasound, I'd taken to calling it "My Little Moon". This book was perfect. Though my husband and I still cry when we read this story, we love the reminder that everything is for our good, and though it may seem that we are in the dark, the moon is always round.
