Talking to the Moon
Southern Cross 3. Series
on Goodreads (106)
What’s inside...
Iris's grandmother, Mimi, has started to put jam on her scrambled eggs and tie blue ribbons around her fingers to remind her of things. Her house, always full of things, is becoming harder and harder to navigate, and when Iris goes to stay, she feels as if a whole life is becoming muddled up. As her grandmother's memory fades, a mystery is uncovered. Who is Coral, and what happened to her?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did Luca experience when talking to the moon, and have you ever felt something similar?
Why do you think Luca chooses the moon to share his thoughts and worries with?
How did Luca's relationship with his father change throughout the story, and what do you think caused those changes?
What does the moon symbolize for Luca and how does it help him cope with his challenges?
If you could talk to the moon, what would you share or ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you found comfort in sharing your feelings, mirroring the emotional theme in the book.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they felt about specific events in the story, promoting empathy and understanding.
Discuss the symbolism of the moon in the story, asking your child what other objects or symbols might represent comfort or guidance for them.
Highlight the evolving dynamics between Luca and his father, asking your child about times when their relationships with others have changed and what they learned from those experiences.
End the discussion by asking your child if they have any questions they would want to ask the moon, inspiring imagination and personal reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: In 'Talking to the Moon,' the protagonist reconnects with his estranged grandfather, illustrating the healing power of familial relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with family members, understanding that family support is crucial during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief and loss
Explanation: The story addresses the themes of loss as the central character deals with the death of his grandmother and the ensuing emotional turmoil.
Real-World Application: This book can help children understand their feelings of grief and provide them with strategies to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Example Lesson: The significance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to express his feelings and thoughts more openly with his grandfather, which significantly improves their relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express themselves and communicate openly with others to resolve misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist learns about his grandfather’s past, his perspective shifts, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about others' lives and experiences, promoting empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges but learns to navigate them with the support of his family, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of perseverance and finding strength in tough situations, preparing them for personal challenges.