New Frontier Publishing are releasing some outstanding picture books into the market this autumn, and this one is sure to melt hearts, as bedraggled Luna searches for a new home.
The author, Stef Gemmill’s words are accompanied by wonderfully detailed illustrations in a muted, natural, colour palette created by Mel Armstrong. I believe that this is the first picture book that she has illustrated – it’s a stunningly impressive debut. In an inspired nod to her target audience there is a small hermit crab to find on every page, an activity that little children will love and that again emphasises the theme of searching for a home.
It is not clear why the little cat Luna has washed up on a strange shore, only that “sounds of danger had made her leave her home.” She is tired, friendless and hungry, but gradually she finds a trusting friendship with a huddle of penguins and an unlikely partnership develops. The simple, elegant text and characterful pictures convey this poignant story perfectly for a young audience. The tale can be enjoyed at a surface level as one of developing friendship and finding a new home, and on another level this book could be used as the start of a discussion about displacement and refugees with young children.
I am most grateful to New Frontier Publishing for sending me a review copy which will be added to our school library, and is a lovely addition to our “Read for Empathy” collection.
I love books! I set up and ran a primary school library for a few years before moving to an NHS library as a clinical outreach librarian. My personal view is that encouraging all children to find a love of books is key to their future well-being. PGDip in Library and Information Management from the University of Ulster.
I only post positive reviews, if I don't like a book or cannot imagine it being one that I would recommend to a readership group whose interests differ from my own, I don't write a review.
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6 thoughts on “Review: A Home for Luna by Stef Gemmill and Mel Armstrong”
V'sViewfromtheBookshelves 
I like the illustrations!
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Thanks for your comment! Yes, I think the illustrations are gorgeous and I’m sure that children will love them.
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Lovely cats!
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This looks lovely and I can think of a little person who will enjoy it. Thank you!
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I’m going to share it with a class of 5/6 year-olds tomorrow, I hope they’re going to love it!
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