Book Review: “Wild Honey from the Moon” by Kenneth Kraegel

Recommended reading age: 4 to 8 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Even the tiniest creatures can embark on grand adventures, which readers will discover as they follow the mythical quest of a mother shrew in Kenneth Kraegel’s “Wild Honey from the Moon.” 

With a classic style reminiscent of Grimm’s fairy tales, this fantastical book easily pulls in readers with dazzling illustrations and an enchanting tale that subtly teaches the importance of family (and good manners).

Told in brief chapters that whisk the reader quickly along, the story follows a mother shrew who needs to obtain the single cure for her young son’s illness: wild honey from the moon. To save his life, she must face a bevy of dangers and wild creatures.

Committing wholeheartedly to her task, she journeys to realms of the moon that prove nightmarish and splendorous alike. While some storytellers envision the moon as hosting aliens and vacant craters, this author prefers a more vibrant, glorious spectacle. The shrew finds herself visiting lush moon fields full of giant butterflies, and a gleaming island of enormous bees. 

Kraegel relays the shrew’s adventures with sweet, lyrical descriptions that feel almost poetic — without reaching the point of becoming confusing or dull for young readers. And the intricate, fluid illustrations can transfix viewers of any age. 

Throughout this epic adventure, the courageous shrew also demonstrates the value of perseverance. She never strays from her goal, even in the midst of danger. And her confidence grows with each success, leading her to even defeat her mortal enemy the owl. 

She repeatedly attributes her tenacity to her role as a mother, a heartwarming example of placing family above all else.

Beyond all this, the book offers a surprising bonus lesson of good manners. The shrew addresses every creature she meets – including some very rude bees – with utmost respect and politeness. Every family will wish for their kids to adopt such mannerisms.

This exhilarating tale will surely nurture any child’s imagination, and perhaps even inspire some heroics.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son in preschool was enamored with this story from start to finish, and demanded repeat reads for multiple days afterward. Each time we read it, he insisted on turning back the pages to study the illustrations and point out details.

He especially enjoyed an amusing confrontation between the shrew and a swarm of surly bees, as well as a mystical moment when she glides down a moonbeam. I knew this would become a favorite when he ran up to a family member and regaled her with the book’s entire plot.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

Because “Wild Honey from the Moon” offers so many creative elements, families can use this as a chance to boost kids’ imaginations. They can ask their kids to brainstorm their own ideas of what magical creatures might reside on the moon, or other places in the universe that could be fun to visit.

And as the book places strong emphasis on devotion to loved ones, families can speak with their kids about the importance of spending quality time together and treating each other with kindness and respect. 

More Children’s Books Like This

‘The Man in the Moon’ – An Extraordinary Tale to Spark Children’s Imagination

‘Tell the Truth, Pangolin’ – A Funny Morality Tale with a Rare Animal