The Moon is Always Round

Lost your baby? Or do you know someone who did? A baby that didn't make it home from the hospital, or was stillborn? And were there other littles who were aware of what happened, who were disappointed not to bring home a baby brother or sister? Now there is a theologically rock-solid, graphically-captivating book just for you. One of the most precious children's books Nancy and I have read: we were fighting back the tears. The author - a prof at Westminster Seminary Philadelphia - tells the story of the loss of his own daughter at 39 weeks, and how he and his wife helped their 3 year-old son figure it out through a simple catechism that remembers that in whatever phase it appears, the moon is always round. In the same way, whatever the circumstances suggest, God is always good. This book would be a huge help, I would think, for any believing family with youngsters who has been through such heartbreak.

I have purchased 6 copies of this book so far, having given 5 away. Today I am ordering 2 more. I LOVE this book, and would give it more stars if available. The simple thesis: God is good even when you don't feel it, just as the moon is always round even when you can't see it, is solid, deep, and difficult. The artwork is superb. I have given the book to adults, not kids, who are undergoing difficult trama. Kids too need this truth, as they will also experience death, but I'll let their parents read this to them if they want. I just can't say enough positive about it. If you can communicate deep truth at a child's level, you have accomplished something great. This book is great. danielcooley.com

A thesaurus would be required to ensure I did not miss a descriptive superlative! It is amazing! While the book is written primarily for children, the lesson is timeless and ageless. God is always good and the Moon is always round. Even when we can't see the whole moon or see the goodness of God in a hard or tragic situation... the moon remains round and God remains good! For those children who may not have been taught these Biblical truths early in their lives it will be helpful to read and teach the Catechism on the last page. Read the suggestions on the previous 2 pages. This book should be pulled out and re-read often.

Really great story of God's never-changing love for us, through the difficulties of life. Gave it only 4 stars because my children didn't understand the message when they read it. It thought they would as they are not slow kids, but they didn't really get it, though they liked it. So plan on explaining before having a conversation about the themes.

This book is specifically about a family that has a stillborn child. I feel like this is a different kind of grief that having lost someone you knew. When I read this book to my son it was sad and confusing for him because of how weighty that is.

This is an excellent book. While it's simple message is for the very young and is related to the difficult topic of losing a baby, the comforting truth in it is applicable for anyone.

sweet book that gives parents great opportunity to share their love regardless of their circumstances--now or in the future

Seeet

This is without doubt a difficult subject for young family members BUT it is absolutely necessary. "The Moon is Always Round" does an excellent job of communicating the concept to young people. I have read it to, and discussed it with, all four of my grandkiddos.

Trigger warning: Our first ultrasound showed a little, moon shaped baby whose heart was slowing. After realizing that we weren't going to be able to hold this little one in this lifetime, I spiraled into mourning for a few weeks. A group for women experiencing miscarriages on Facebook brought up this book. Ever since seeing baby in that first ultrasound, I'd taken to calling it "My Little Moon". This book was perfect. Though my husband and I still cry when we read this story, we love the reminder that everything is for our good, and though it may seem that we are in the dark, the moon is always round.

Lost your baby? Or do you know someone who did? A baby that didn't make it home from the hospital, or was stillborn? And were there other littles who were aware of what happened, who were disappointed not to bring home a baby brother or sister? Now there is a theologically rock-solid, graphically-captivating book just for you. One of the most precious children's books Nancy and I have read: we were fighting back the tears. The author - a prof at Westminster Seminary Philadelphia - tells the story of the loss of his own daughter at 39 weeks, and how he and his wife helped their 3 year-old son figure it out through a simple catechism that remembers that in whatever phase it appears, the moon is always round. In the same way, whatever the circumstances suggest, God is always good. This book would be a huge help, I would think, for any believing family with youngsters who has been through such heartbreak.

I have purchased 6 copies of this book so far, having given 5 away. Today I am ordering 2 more. I LOVE this book, and would give it more stars if available. The simple thesis: God is good even when you don't feel it, just as the moon is always round even when you can't see it, is solid, deep, and difficult. The artwork is superb. I have given the book to adults, not kids, who are undergoing difficult trama. Kids too need this truth, as they will also experience death, but I'll let their parents read this to them if they want. I just can't say enough positive about it. If you can communicate deep truth at a child's level, you have accomplished something great. This book is great. danielcooley.com

A thesaurus would be required to ensure I did not miss a descriptive superlative! It is amazing! While the book is written primarily for children, the lesson is timeless and ageless. God is always good and the Moon is always round. Even when we can't see the whole moon or see the goodness of God in a hard or tragic situation... the moon remains round and God remains good! For those children who may not have been taught these Biblical truths early in their lives it will be helpful to read and teach the Catechism on the last page. Read the suggestions on the previous 2 pages. This book should be pulled out and re-read often.

Really great story of God's never-changing love for us, through the difficulties of life. Gave it only 4 stars because my children didn't understand the message when they read it. It thought they would as they are not slow kids, but they didn't really get it, though they liked it. So plan on explaining before having a conversation about the themes.

This book is specifically about a family that has a stillborn child. I feel like this is a different kind of grief that having lost someone you knew. When I read this book to my son it was sad and confusing for him because of how weighty that is.

This is an excellent book. While it's simple message is for the very young and is related to the difficult topic of losing a baby, the comforting truth in it is applicable for anyone.

sweet book that gives parents great opportunity to share their love regardless of their circumstances--now or in the future

Seeet

This is without doubt a difficult subject for young family members BUT it is absolutely necessary. "The Moon is Always Round" does an excellent job of communicating the concept to young people. I have read it to, and discussed it with, all four of my grandkiddos.

Trigger warning: Our first ultrasound showed a little, moon shaped baby whose heart was slowing. After realizing that we weren't going to be able to hold this little one in this lifetime, I spiraled into mourning for a few weeks. A group for women experiencing miscarriages on Facebook brought up this book. Ever since seeing baby in that first ultrasound, I'd taken to calling it "My Little Moon". This book was perfect. Though my husband and I still cry when we read this story, we love the reminder that everything is for our good, and though it may seem that we are in the dark, the moon is always round.

This book does not sidestep tragedy, nor does it offer simplistic, patronizing explanations. Rather, the author reminds the reader - whether child or adult - of the truth that is God's goodness.

Simple and effective. Especially for families with young children when there is a fetal loss.

This book is great. so helpful in talking to kids about grief and loss. I love the analogy. The only thing is I wish that it was explained a little better in the book in kid language.

This is a very necessary story and I am so grateful it was shared. It revealed how real the world is and all the pain that comes with it but God is always good and always with us. It’s so difficult to find something appropriate to help explain to young siblings of a still born child. I didn’t even realize how much it would help me. So simple yet very clear and precise. Thank you so much for this story.

Beautifully written and illustrated book to help young children understand death and grieving. Helps children understand how to deal with those feelings

So strong to help kids with any loss or pain.

I love this book. Now one of our family favorites.

This book is about a stillborn child. I believe the content was too much for my 4 year old.

What a beautifully written story. Cried when I read it.

**Thanks New Growth Press for a review copy. Have you ever faced a tough time, when it’s hard to even know how to pray? Sure you have: we all have. At those times, it’s helpful to remember timeless truths about God. It can help to pray words of the Bible over and over in your mind to keep yourself calmed and centered on God’s truths. That’s the idea behind The Moon is Always Round. The book begins with a dad talking to his little boy about the moon always being round — even when we don’t see all of it. Throughout different events, they discuss the changing appearance of the moon, but remark that “the moon is always round.” Then one day a tragedy strikes the family (no spoilers). What do family members repeat? “The moon is always round.” And at the end, they discuss the meaning of this — God is always good. This book is sweetly illustrated. I’ve read it twice now, and honestly I can’t get through it without tearing up. I absolutely love the way the author uses the moon analogy to help a child understand a concept about God. It’s done so well. And, at the end, there are some lessons written for how to help children deal with loss, including memory verses. There’s also an explanation of the story behind the story: the author had a daughter who was stillborn at 39 weeks. Beautifully done; The Moon is Always Round gets an A+ from me. I think I’ll keep my copy to read through myself during challenging times.

Jonathan Gibson has written a children's book entitled The Moon is Always Round. The book is published by New Growth Press and illustrated by Joe Hox. Before reading the book, one may successfully guess what the book is about. Just as the moon is always round (even when you can’t see all or any of the moon), so the Lord is always good (even when it may be hard to “see” that truth). This book is aiming to teach children that God is always good, even in the midst of suffering. Gibson writes a story, a true story, of a father teaching his son about the goodness of the Lord in the midst of suffering. In the back of the book is a page on “The Story behind This Book”, and it retells the story that Gibson and his family experienced. It’s a terribly sad story, but it’s also one that has glorified the Lord Jesus and is able to teach others how to do the same in the midst of adversity and suffering. This book is wonderful for many reasons, but here are just a few to consider: -Joe Hox has done a phenomenal job with the illustrations! They are incredibly well done. -The story is one that will teach a child the truth about suffering, but more importantly, the truth about God in the midst of suffering. -Parents will be encouraged in how to teach their little ones during hard times. -The back of the book contains a section on “Lessons for Children” and even a “Catechism on the Moon.” Seriously. And it’s really good! I highly recommend this book! Adults, learn how to shepherd your children. And children, learn more and more about your God who is always good, no matter what. Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book on behalf of an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Walking through grief with children is hard. I lost a baby nine years ago. My other children were two and four. Discussing why mommy and daddy were sad and that it was okay for us to be sad sometimes was difficult. This is an excellent book for that. It's also excellent for any child who is grieving death. My youngest child's best friend died a year ago from leukemia. She was six years old. My daughter has grieved, and I'm sure she'll grieve again when she's older and understands the weight of her loss. This book has been excellent for discussing this loss with her. We don't understand why children get cancer and die. We don't understand why babies die. I don't have to come up with a reason for it. I do know that God is good and loves us even when we can't see how he is good in the midst of our pain. He's there loving us when we feel him and when we don't. These are such great lessons to carry her through life. When she revisits this loss or experiences other pain, she'll have these truths rising up in her. I know one person said it was confusing to her son. I see how it could be, but I still think it's good even for little ones who have yet to experience suffering or loss. It is inevitable that every one of us will experience it someday, and my job as a parent is not just to protect my children but to prepare them for when they do suffer. Your child doesn't have to understand everything in the book now. Being confused is okay. You're teaching something your child may not be able to grasp yet, but they are learning the language of the truths you want them to have deep in their hearts. Understanding is important, and it will come. When your child does experience suffering and struggle, which may not be for a very long time, then this will make sense.

The Moon is Always Round conveys a very important message for Christians. In times of sadness and struggle, it’s difficult to see that God is always good. By using the fact that the moon is always round whether we can see the whole thing or not, author Jonathan Gibson makes the concept of God being good all the time whether we can see it or not understandable to a child. The Moon is Always Round follows the author’s story through the pregnancy of his wife and the family preparing for baby Leila’s arrival. Big brother Benjamin was anticipating the arrival of his little sister. But then things go wrong and baby Leila never comes home from the hospital. Knowing that 'The Moon is Always Round' means God is Always Good, helps Benjamin and his parents during the difficult loss of Leila. The Moon is Always Round would be a great conversation-starter for families who are struggling with this type of loss. The concept would be comforting to both children and adults. The concept of God being good all the time is valuable for any child (and adults, too). However, because the lost pregnancy is the basis of the story, this book may not be relatable to children who haven’t experienced that kind of loss. I would recommend this book for children facing this specific challenge. The beautiful illustrations capture the emotion of the story and give the little learner a lot to absorb. Our Christian Book Reviews: The BOOK REVIEWS at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.

The Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson is a beautiful book that is filled with love as it tackles a tough subject: the death of a sibling. This is a book that pulled at the heartstrings and caused me to cry. This book is incredibly relatable and I wish this existed when it was my turn. This isn't for every kid, but for the kid dealing with death, this would be an excellent book to read together. It gives children hope and reminds children that when they look at the moon, it is always round. Just like the moon is always round, God is always with us. In the fact of the book, you can find the story behind the story. I'd recommend that part for the adults. However, it can make for some great discussion. The author also includes two different ways you can use the book. One revolving around the moon just like in the story and the other lesson revolving around Good Friday. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, counselors, or anyone who works with children. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

While this was obviously a sad story I think it would be helpful to a child struggling to understand that God is good even when bad things happen. It's a simple yet profound analogy. I liked the colorful illustrations and that that there's a section in the back where we're told how this story came about. The two lessons in the back explaining more about the moon analogy and Good Friday were helpful, also. I would recommend this book for parents trying to figure out how to explain difficult circumstances while believing in a good God. I received this book from New Growth Press. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Jonathan Gibson's new book, The Moon is Always Round seeks to help young children understand the questions they may have when suffering enters a family's life. When a family is excitedly awaiting the arrival of a new baby and the unexpected happens, the parents teach their little boy that God is good no matter what happens in our lives. This book is specifically about going through a stillbirth. This story is sad, but having gone through miscarriage myself, I know that life doesn't always go as you expect. And if there are children that are old enough to understand the loss, this book has a unique way of handling the hard question of why. I appreciated the author's appeal to what children already know to be true about the moon always being there even though sometimes we only see part of it or none of it at all. It is a good illustration that children can grasp and relate to. If you have gone through deep heartache and are looking for a way to help your kids through it, take a look at this story and see if this would be a way to talk with your kids about the goodness of God in spite of suffering. ***I received this complimentary book from New Growth Press. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a sweet, heartbreaking, and truthful book that a parent can share with a child about loss, sadness, and when bad things happen and there is no answer. This story is about a little boy and his family who go through a great loss and as natural the little boy has questions. And naturally the father answers the questions to the best of his ability, but unfortunately there are some questions that we cannot answer this side of heaven. However, the father does not leave his son without hope. And as the moon is always round, even though many times throughout the month we do not see its true shape becomes a very important lesson for this little boy when sadness comes. Just like the moon is always round his father reminds him that God is always good even when we don't understand His ways. What a powerful message in a poignant story with the added bonus of beautiful illustrations. Definitely read this one with some tissues. I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review an all views and opinions are my own.

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Jonathan Gibson and Joe Hox and his publisher for sending me a copy of "The Moon Is Always Round" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me. “The Moon is Always Round”, written by Jonathan Gibson and illustrated by Joe Hox, is a beautiful tribute to a stillborn daughter that teaches children (and adults alike) that God is always good, regardless of circumstances. The words are easy to understand. The theology is huge! The drawings are colorful and engaging. This is a wonderful book that brought tears to my eyes and filled me with hope and compassion for the author and his family. The message that God is always good is something we all need to remember….especially in the tough times. My only issue with the book is how it reads in .pdf format. This should really be read in print, where the side-by-side artwork makes more sense.

Based on a true story, this children's picture book shows a family of three—a father, mother, and young son. The father is teaching his son that even though you don't always see all of the moon, it is always round. Later the young boy finds out that his mother is pregnant with his baby sister, which the family is so happy about, and later... the mother has a miscarriage, which is heartbreaking. In this heartbreak the father reminds his wife and son that like the moon's roundness, "just because we cannot always see God's goodness during difficult times, this does not mean that God is not good in those times." This is an important message to remember. "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). The story in this book is so touching and its illustrations are beautiful. Note: I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

I suggest parents read this book through one or two times themselves before they share it with their child(ren) because it’s an emotional read. The Moon is Always Round is a story with beautiful illustrations of a family of three rejoicing in their upcoming addition. When their joy turns to sorrow, Dad reminds his son that even in the hardest times, God is always there. God is always good. Using the symbolism of the moon, which is always round even when we only see parts of it, Gibson walks little readers through a painful truth of life. There are things we will never understand, but through it all, God is good. The resources at the end of the book include a couple lessons, scripture verses, and Gibson’s personal story. Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Moon is Always Round, written by Jonathan Gibson and illustrated by Joe Hox, aims to remind children that God is always good, just like the moon is always round. Though we can’t always see the full shape of the moon, we know it is always round. Though we can’t always see God’s goodness, we know He is good all the time. The Moon is Always Round makes me cry every time I read it. The boy’s baby sister is stillborn and he struggles to understand. It’s based on the real-life experience of the author and his son. The illustrations in The Moon is Always Round are lovely and the story captured both of my daughters’ interest. However, both agreed that they don’t want to read it again because it is so sad. The Moon is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson is a good resource for a family dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one, but it is not a book that my children want to return to for entertainment. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

A beautiful, bittersweet children's book about God's unending goodness, in the midst of our suffering. The story follows a young boy and his parents, as they eagerly await the birth of a new baby sister. The seasons change as does the shape of the moon, when unexpected events occur, the family holds tight to the promise of God's goodness. A beautiful hardcover picture book, with lovely illustrations that show the striking contrast between light and dark, day and night, highlighting the brilliance of the moon. A well written book that talk about God's goodness, even in the midst of suffering. It includes lesson suggestions, the story behind the book, and a catechism on the moon. Overall, a really well done book all around, very thoughtfully written and paced. A beautiful story about God's unchanging goodness, written for young children, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and would be great for starting deep discussions with the young person in your life. I was very impressed, and highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Moon is Always Round is a beautifully written children's book that tackles the question, Where is God in times of suffering? The book provides gentle reassurance. For any child who has experienced loss, this book would be a excellent tool to use for support as well as a means of initiating meaningful discussion. While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.