Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon

Written by Jen Campbell
Illustrated by Katie Harnett
Expected publication: November 6, 2018

Why we chose this book:
We loved Franklin's Flying Bookshop, so when I learned that a sequel was forthcoming, I requested and subsequently received a review copy from Thames and Hudson.

Mom's Review

We have all been working on a drainage trench in the backyard for the past couple months. The excitement has long worn off for T, and he'd rather we play with him instead of working and encouraging him to play independently. This background is important, because Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon was delivered by UPS while T's dad and I were taking turns keeping an eye on T's driveway antics while I tried to transport gravel in a wheelbarrow around the house and T's dad tried to lengthen and deepen the trench. T was at the point where he was losing patience when the delivery truck pulled up. When the delivery man gave me an envelope that was obviously books, T was super excited. He got a wheelbarrow ride around back, found a comfortable spot on the stone steps above a mountain of rubble, and read to himself contentedly for quite some time. After a not insignificant amount of work was accomplished, we each took turns reading with T in the sunny fresh air, beneath beautiful red maple leaves. We could not have asked for more pleasant fall weather! T loved the book, loved reading to himself, and loved reading outside!

The story of Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon follows Franklin (the dragon) and Luna (the human girl) as they search for Franklin's home. He does not recall his origin, so they read a wide variety of books on mythical beasts, but are unable to find information on dragons' birthplace. They decide to embark on an expedition, bringing along Luna's pet turtle. On their journey, they meet numerous magical creatures, but none can shed light on Franklin's home. Finally, the pet turtle directs their views upward, toward the moon. Franklin flies them into space, where they discover that Franklin is, indeed, from the moon. He is reunited with his family, who at first fear Luna in a reverse of the events from Franklin's Flying Bookshop. Once Franklin reassures them of Luna's friendship, they all celebrate the reunion. The final illustration of the book depicts the friends back at Luna's home, their gazes directed toward the moon; it is understood from the text and image that Luna and Franklin will maintain regular visits and strong bonds.

What first drew me in to the Franklin and Luna books was the artwork. The stories are what held both me and T. Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon emphasizes the beauty of friendship and the joy of exploration. Franklin and Luna's love of books is understated in this sequel, but important nonetheless. As we read about the different creatures they encountered, T and I talked about where we've read about vampires or yetis in the past, and we even connected the pixies they view under microscopes to what he views under microscopes at the EcoTarium. It's fun, it's easy to talk about, and it's even easy to relate to real life. The most powerful part of this book, though, is the friendship between the girl and the dragon. Their differences enhance their friendship, they support each other without blinking, and their relationships with one another and their families will clearly stand the test of time. What better message of friendship than unwavering love?

Son's Review
Age: 3 and 1/2 years
While reading:
Mom: I know that we've already read this, so we know they are on the moon, but where else might you expect a dragon to hide?

Son: So many places, that I can't know where!
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Son, pointing to Franklin's cousin: It's the Loch Ness Monster!

Mom: You know about the Loch Ness Monster?

Son: I know a lot about it, but I can't tell you because I'm keeping it a secret.
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Son: What are poltergeists?

Mom: They are a type of ghost.

Son: Then why are they wearing clothing?

Mom: These ones are dressing up in costumes.
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Mom: Which is your favorite creature? How come?

Son: These [yetis]. They are my favorite...I would want to go to this place [the unicorn disco]. I would watch it.

After reading:
Mom: What was your favorite part?

Son: I kinda like dragons. All of the story!

Mom: What would you do if Franklin asked you for help?

Son: I would help him.

Mom: How would you help him find his family?

Son: On my map.

Mom: If you could travel to the moon, would you? Why?

Son: I wouldn't. It is not safe because there are dragons who live there.

Mom: Aren't they friendly dragons?

Son: Yes. But some aren't.

Mom: What would you do if you were going on an expedition like Franklin and Luna?

Son: I would make sure I didn't step on any poky things like thorn bushes or any poison ivy.

Mom: What's the most important thing to know about this book?

Son: It's a really good book. It can teach you how to be friends.