Beneath the Same Round Moon: A Mooncake Festival Story
Written by Jasmine Fang
Illustrated by Rong Pham and Vinh Nguyen
Published by Beaming Books
Mom’s Review
Beneath the Same Round Moon is a beautiful story about a family that manages to remain connected despite geographic distance. Set against the backdrop of the Mooncake Festival, young Pearl faces disappointment when her family cannot be together for the festival. She misses her sister and father who are out of town and her grandfather who is deceased. Together with the family members present, she finds ways to be together, including Zoom and calling to mind happy memories.
This story about evolving family arrangements validates the disappointments and challenges the come with change. Acknowledging the feelings and highlighting the differences between the past and present celebrations validates that disappointment. Readers who find themselves missing friends and relatives or not liking how a holiday celebration has changed will feel that validation – it’s okay to dislike change. What makes adjustment easier is leaning on the people one trusts, Pearl finds. Comforting and ending on an uplifting note, this picture book is great anytime of year and especially around the Mooncake Festival.
Back matter includes a mooncake recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
