25 June 2026 MOON SAILORS by Naomi Woodward and Rachel Gregg, ill., Blue Dot, February 2026, 32p., ISBN: 979-8-9898588-5-9

“The Venus’s flower basket (Euplectella aspergillum) is a deep-sea, glass-like sponge found in the western Pacific Ocean. Made of silica (the same material as glass), its intricate, lattice-like tube is surprisingly durable. It is also famous for its lifelong symbiotic relationship with a pair of shrimp that become permanently trapped inside its glass walls.”

–  Google AI

“Once, there was a way to get back homeward

Once, there was a way to get back home

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby”

– Lennon/McCartney (1969)

“Bed sheets billow in solar winds,

as we cast our boat adrift…

moon sailors in search of treasure,

perched on pillow seats.

We sail a path of Earthlight

to moor where moonshells glisten.

‘Listen!’

We press them to our ears

and hear the music of the spheres…

singing, ‘Follow the glowing trails

of slow celestial snails!’

Oysters clustered on the shore

offer gifts of pearls

until our buckets brim.”

So begins an exceptional, sea-drenched lullaby of a picture book, featuring a young brother and sister, along with their kitty. 

Having undoubtedly spent a glorious and active day on the coast, where their family is staying in a seaside town cottage, and having now prepared for bedtime, the siblings and feline board their “craft” fashioned from pillows, a sheet, and a broom.

And so it is that this trio sets a dreamy course between sky and sea, where they encounter all sorts of exotic sea inhabitants by the light of the moon and stars.

“Draped in Neptune’s necklaces,

we race through sparkling  pools.

Glowworms wriggle through fronds

of iridescent algae.

Below the swell,

Venus’s flower baskets grow under 

nodding jelly moons.

Above, constellation whales breach and blow.

Flying fish flick and leap

to kiss our cheeks a sweet goodnight.”

Rachel Gregg’s stunning pencil-and-watercolor illustrations make MOON SAILORS one not to miss. Juxtaposing the stars and the sea as the sibs set sail, they reveal the ocean’s alien-like plants and creatures, so different from what we encounter in our typical days on the planet. These eye-catching sea spreads will make this one unputdownable for the fortunate children provided the opportunity to spend quality time poring over depictions of the sea’s otherworldly inhabitants.

The trio’s adventures conclude with a playful surprise for audiences, as we return to the children's bedroom, where one of the sea creatures from the dream is unexpectedly curled up on the bed alongside the cat. 

Wait! Was it a dream or what?

Immersed in rich, tongue-tingling language, you’ll all but feel the rocking of the sea as this stellar Australian import is read.

Bon voyage and goodnight!

Richie Partington, MLIS

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