Our Children’s Book of the Month for July 2022 is The Moon of Kyiv by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna.
100% of the net profit from the sale of this book will be donated to Save the Children fund for supporting children impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.
In 1955, beloved Italian poet Gianni Rodari penned a nursery rhyme called “The Moon of Kyiv”. It was a poem about our shared humanity – the poem reminding us that, no matter where we’re from, or where we live, we all exist under the same moon.
In the days following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, these lyrical words went viral in Italy: they became a call for peace. Six decades later, they resonate, and feel more relevant, than ever before.
Now, for the very first time, the poem has been illustrated by the incredible Beatrice Alemagna, whose beautiful pictures match Rodari’s words in hope, purity and power.
It’s hard to know what to say in a humanitarian emergency – but, here, a poet from the past is able to find the words we have all been looking for.
Just like the moon’s light, pictures and words transcend borders, and we hope that this simple yet powerful story not only raises funds for charity, but is a tangible gift to give any child to explain peace.
“Read this book, look up at the moon, know it shines on the faces of the children of Ukraine, on everyone everywhere who is living through war and living through peace” Michael Morpurgo
Gianni Rodari was an Italian author who worked as a teacher and journalist before writing books for children. He achieved huge success across his long career; his most significant titles include Adventures of Cipollino, Gelsomino in the Land of Liars, Nursery Rhymes in Heaven and on Earth and Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto… His books earned many awards and accolades, notably the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1970. Gianni Rodari died in Rome in 1980.
Beatrice Alemagna is a best-selling author and illustrator of more than thirty books for children, including The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy, On a Magical Do-Nothing Day and Harold Snipperpot’s Best Disaster Ever. She has been translated into many languages and won numerous awards, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Born in Bologna, Italy, she now lives in Paris, France.
The Moon of Kyiv by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna is available now for £9.99.