Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Ryan Cowan to bring you this post.
It is almost the end of September which means it is almost Halloween month. Do you love Halloween? Do your young readers? Today I get to share a magical Halloween book that will get even the Halloween haters feeling a bit good about the holiday. The book is Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan and illustrated by Halo Rife.
About the Book:
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal Written by Ryan Cowan and Illustrated by Halo RifeAges: 9-12 | 252 Pages
Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2022) | ISBN-13: 9788351181905
Publisher’s Book Summary: Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn’t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it’s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time?
Purchase Link:
Amazon
About the Author:
Ryan Cowan works as an educator in Los Angeles. He received his Master of Education in Urban Teaching degree (EdM) from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.
For more information check out:
- https://www.facebook.com/mossymansion/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@ryan.cowan.author
- https://www.instagram.com/sloanmoonbeam/
From Me:
Now I will admit I am not a huge fan of Halloween. I do not love the holiday. It was fun when Hazel was young. But I have never felt the lure of gore and evil. This book however shares Halloween in a different light. Elliott loves Halloween as do his classmates. His teacher and school make it extra special. But Elliott also knows there is a magical place where his family and teacher are from. There they have huge Halloween celebrations which are more like fall celebrations. Elliott thinks Halloween in the nonmagical world is great because it brings a bit of the magical world (at least in imaginations) in. However, there is a problem. One of the evil sorcerers from the magical land, Moonstone, is trying to get into the nonmagical world with all of his horrible monsters--dragons, werewolves, vampires and more. Elliott's parents and teacher have been placed in the nonmagical world to help protect it. Throughout the story we see Elliott grow. Mr. Moonbeam uses every opportunity to teach Elliott and eventually Sabrina life lessons. Both children are developing their powers and need to gain better control of them. Mr. Moonbeam is trying to help them learn how to as well as trying to protect both worlds.
The beginning of the book we learn about the magical world, but we are really only reading about the nonmagical world. There is mystery and wonder throughout it. The action really begins when they have to return to Moonstone to save both worlds. By this point Mr. Moonbeam has realized what Elliott's powers are and has helped him control them a bit more. There are many challenges and really a war going on between good and evil. Although it sounds awful for a middle grades chapter book, it is not gory. It has just enough bad for kids to be interested without being overwhelmed or too scared. For me it put Halloween in a new light. I loved looking at it as a celebration for the fall. It isn't about the evil but celebrating the positive fall aspects.
I can see this book being read any time in October as kids get excited for Halloween. It has so many of the aspects we enjoy from witches and warlocks to dragons and vampires and so much more. It has the celebration with jack-o'-lanterns and apple treats. It would be a fun book for story time for an elementary classroom as well as a favorite for kids independent reading this October. Throughout the book there are some illustrations at the beginning of chapters. The illustrations are done by Halo Rife who is 15! The illustrations are beautifully done and absolutely amazing! I really see this book becoming an October favorite. I hope you will check it out! For more Halloween crafts and books, be sure to check out these posts.
Giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal and an exclusive, limited-edition themed T-shirt! Good luck!!
