The Moon's Journey, written by Beryl Young and illustrated by Sean Huang. Red Deer Press, Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2024. $23.95 ages 4 and up

"All the next day, Faith watched the sky. 
She didn't want to play with the other children.
She wanted to be alone. 
Faith thought of home. She remembered her jar
of caterpillars. Would the butterflies be out? 
She remembered her cat. Would he be missing 
her?"

Moving from Wales to Canada in the 1950s for new jobs and opportunities was quite a common occurrence. Pier 21 in Halifax welcomed many of these immigrants. Today it houses the Canadian Museum of Immigration and offers immigrant stories for visitors to hear. This is one of those stories, adapted to book form. 

When their father moved to Canada to accept a job as a research scientist, his family followed. It was extremely upsetting for Faith, who had to leave the only home she had known and her pets, for future uncertainty. She was especially worried about leaving the moon behind them. Her older brother Gareth offered to ask their travel ship's captain to tether the moon and haul it along with them. It gave Faith a feeling of peace for the inevitable move. 

The eight days on the ship were difficult at times, especially when clouds kept the moon from shining. In that time, the moon changed from its quarter to full moon phase. While there was time to enjoy the days with other children and explore the ship, the nights were often stormy and filled with clouds. In those times, it was hard to console his little sister, although Gareth remained adamant that the moon was still there. 

Upon arrival in Canada, the three passed through immigration and were extremely excited to see their father once again. Their journey to their new home was tiresome, but ended happily. 

"It was a long drive on the wrong side 
of the road. Faith felt a bit sick when 
they got to the house, but Daddy had 
a new kitten for her."

In the yard that evening, Faith remained worried about the moon. No need. As it rose into the night sky, so full and close, Faith finally knew she was 'home'. 

This story is enhanced by digital artwork by Sean Huang. He captures Faith's emotions, ship life and the family's arrival in a new country in illustrations that complement the story and add context to the feelings experienced by the family as they pack up all they have known to move far away to an unknown future.