The Moon is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson – Children’s Book Review

Grab a box of tissues before you read this one!

About the Book

Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances. 

In this beautiful, two-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life. 

A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God’s goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God’s goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can’t always see it.

Amazon | Christianbook | New Growth Press | Goodreads

In My Opinion

I suggest parents read this book through one or two times themselves before they share it with their child(ren) because it’s an emotional read.

The Moon is Always Round is a story with beautiful illustrations of a family of three rejoicing in their upcoming addition. When their joy turns to sorrow, Dad reminds his son that even in the hardest times, God is always there. God is always good.

Using the symbolism of the moon, which is always round even when we only see parts of it, Gibson walks little readers through a painful truth of life. There are things we will never understand, but through it all, God is good.

The resources at the end of the book include a couple of lessons, scripture verses, and Gibson’s personal story.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.