The 'lump in throat' sort of book... lost toy who never gives up hope.

Toy Story features lost toys. A wealth of picture books give readers the horrific scenario of what happens to children and toys after they lose each other.

Gliori knows what children want and need to read about, and her story here gives them the toy's perspective, the loyal and loving Moonimal. Plucked from a shelf by an affectionate child, they do everything together until one fateful day when the boy loses his toy in the woods.

Moonimal's strange appearance, his three ears, mean other animals take him under their wings (so to speak) as he patiently waits to be reunited with the child he loves so much.... surely it won't take forever?

Simply told, with a lovely perspective that children will adore - the toy that loves them - and Gliori's warm illustrations to enjoy, Moonimal makes an engaging hero, and bedtimes with this story and ending will result in lots of cuddles for favourite toys and maybe parents too.

Relatable and accessible, even young children can follow this. For ages 2-5.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

This is such a lovely heart warming story. My daughter loved watching Moonimal going on his adventures in the wild although she was initially worried about him losing his owner.

In this story Moonimal is loved by a little boy but he falls and loses him. Moonimal is discovered by different animals on his journey until he is found years later by his original owner's (now a man) dog.

I think all children can relate to losing their favourite toy. It's such a lovely ending when he gets to be loved again by the owner's daughter. Beautiful illustrations help to tell the story. I know my children would both love a Moonimal of their own to cuddle! This would be a perfecr addition to any picture book collection and makes a lovely bedtime story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this advance copy

Warm-hearted and very visually attractive drama of a plush toy – kind of like a rabbit but bright blue and with three ears – that a boy loves dearly, until it gets lost in the woods. Clearly set in a world where nobody's voice breaks, the story is an engaging one for the very young, and the way it comes full-circle to a happy conclusion teaches the audience not to go straight into panic mode about things such as toys, however lovely and comforting they may be. That said, this is all about the entertainment and not so much the life-lesson, and it succeeds where that primary concern lies with spades.

What a delight to read!

I felt genuine emotions as I read this, a sweet rabbit bought by a boy and taken on adventures...

I loved the premise of the book, the story was a delight to read, if somewhat sad in parts and then also evoked such a warm feeling too.

The illustrations were good and fun to explore.

A definite one to recommend.

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Oh my! What a lovely story. I found this book just adorable. Its about a little a little soft toy called Moonimal, sharing his story.

A boy finds him and loves him but while out playing the boy falls and loses Moonimal. Moonimal doesn't give up hope that his boy will find him and as the seasons and years pass by, Moonimal is discovered by different animals who welcome him to their group. Years later, he is discovered by a dog and as luck would have it, the dogs owner is none other than Moonimals boy! He has grown since Moonimal last saw him, but he recognises him straight away. The boy (now a man) takes Moonimal in with him. He fixes him up, washes and dries him, then hugs him tight. The story ends with Moonimal being introduced to the mans young daughter, where Moonimals story starts again.

An absolutely beautiful story of hope and love. Showing the strength of a bond, no matter the distance. This is the perfect story for bedtimes where you can cuddle up with your little ones and share this lovely tale.

I received an advanced copy of this e-book to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me the opportunity.

My 5yr old loved this book and the illustrations. The tale of loss and reunion was perfect for him.

This is a lovely detailed picture book about a boy and his favourite toy. The illustrations were fantastic and eye catching which showed the adventures they have. Then the Moonimal was lost and the real adventure started. All children can relate on some level to losing their favourite toy or even how they would feel if they did.

I found the ending very heart warming when he gets found years later and gets to be loved again by the now grown up boy’s daughter! A little twist!

Thank you for sharing! As always I love Debi Gliori books and this will be a lovely addition to our class library!

The Boy and the Moonimal by Debi Giliori published by Bloomsbury Children’s books. Released in the U.K. on June 10th 2021.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children’s books for the chance to read and review this book.

We all have that one cuddly companion that guides us through childhood but did we realise they also have us? Especially if you are a Moonimal that loves to be hugged tight.

This story is so much more than a lost teddy story. The story is told from the perspective of the lost Teddy and details his adventures and thoughts as he longs to be reunited with his boy.

The illustrations are beautiful and provide lots of wonderful opportunities for discussions and add layers of complexity to the story as they take you on a beautiful adventure through the wilds.

This is such a heartwarming tale of friendship and loss that will definitely be a read on repeat in our house.

Debi Gliori writes a glorious tale of friendship, love and loss, as told by Moonimal who longs to be reunited with his boy. Beautifully detailed illustrations provide a rich basis for discussion, with a sentiment we can all relate to. Gorgeous addition to KS1 bookcases 😍

What an absolute delight!
I could read this book over and over again - which is just as well as it shows the Moonimal being loved over and over again. And I would like a Moonimal to hug tight.
I love that the boy has glasses and they are referred to. I don't see glasses in many books for young children and I think it is a much-needed and positive representation.. The glasses are then used as a ploy to ensure the 'reader' recognises the man as the boy.
Debi Gliori largely uses a soft colour palette, and this is especially beautiful in the mountain scenes.

I brought my own 2 daughters up reading them Debi Gliori books and now I almost want a grandchild just to share the book! Fortunately I work in a primary school with a nursery and shall gladly take this for my read-alouds with them - and anyone else who'll listen!

The Boy and the Moonimal is an uplifting story about the relationship between the Boy and the Moonimal and how surprising and adventurous life can be. I love the illustrations and the colour palette, and I'm sure many children would enjoy reading this.

An utterly delightful book both the illustrations and words. Simple poignant story that I know my younger grandchildren and great nieces/nephews would love. Easy story for little ones to understand plus simple enough for slightly older o0nes to read. A lovely charming .book with a definite 'ahhh' factor.

What a cute little story about a boy and his moonimal.
Moonimal is the boys favourite animal and they go everywhere together, but then one day he loses him in the forest and can't find him.
Years and years pass, and one day a dog gets hold of Moonimal but is rescued by a man, who used to be his boy.
He fixed him and then passes him to his daughter and a new story is started!
Cute illustrations too .... My daughter loved it.