This morning we have been talking about worries here at Edspire HQ

With the help of the wonderful Mooncat and Me

Written and illustrated by Lydia Corry

Published by Two Hoots Books

We have been thinking about what we worry about

And the things that help us when we are feeling anxious

Mooncat and Me is the perfect book for little worriers

Especially for anyone who is worried about moving house, starting school or trying something new

In this story Pearl loves cats

But she does NOT like moving house

She is feeling worried about starting a new school

And is anxious about life in a new city

Her mum suggests a day out exploring but Pearl is not sure

She is my feeling big or bold or brave as an explorer should

But then Mooncat appears

Huge, fluffy and as bright as the moon

Together with mum they head out to explore

Everything in the city is big and loud

But Pearl did not mind with Mooncat there

Pearl did feel a bit small but it was okay with Mooncat there

Everything feels better and easier with her new friend

By the end of the day Pearl feels a little bit bigger, a little bit bolder and quite a lot braver

Mooncat has helped ease Pearl’s anxiety and taken some of her worries away

Knowing that Mooncat is there Pearl feels much more ready for school

She feels quite a bit excited and she soon makes lots of friends

Pearl gets stuck in to to all the fun of the classroom

She was so busy that she did not notice that Mooncat was not there

At night home alone she wonders where her new friend might be

Then she discovers that Mooncat has always been and will always be there when she needs him

This is such a wonderful story about the power of imagination and overcoming anxiety

Mooncat is a glorious character

Beautifully drawn by Lydia

An orb of calm against the hustle and bustle of the noisy city

And of everyday life

As Pearl’s worries fade away and she grows in confidence and joy

Mooncat becomes smaller and smaller as she needs him less and less

We wondered what Mooncat might represent

An imaginary friend, a comfort blanket?

Or perhaps self belief, confidence, an inner voice?

We have loved meeting Pearl and Mooncat

We drew our own Mooncat

We filled him with all the things we worry about

Then around the outside we wrote all the things that ease our anxiety

And help to take our worries away

It was lovely to talk to the children about their worries and comforts

This would be a lovely book to read with little ones starting a new class or school in September

Or for anyone moving to a new home

It is a lovely story and a beautifully illustrated book

With endpapers of dreams!

Thank you Two Hoots Book for our copy of Mooncat and Me, and for inviting us to be part of the Blog Tour.