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, full-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.
The Moon Is Always Round gives children a way to understand God's goodness in the midst of grief, the companion book, You are Still a Mother by Jackie Gibson, tells the story of loss and heartache from her unique perspective as a mom.
"It is with the greatest pleasure and sense of privilege that I commend this book about Leila, Jonny and Jackie Gibson's precious, stillborn daughter. As I held Leila's tiny lifeless body in my arms, I wondered what great things God would do through her brief, mainly hidden, life in this world. May this beautiful and poignant reflection, from a loving and devoted father, bring God's compassion and comfort to many. She being dead yet speaks Leila the Evangelist!"
Ian Hamilton, Former minister of Cambridge Presbyterian Church, England
"The Moon Is Always Round offers gentle instruction to the hearts of our children when life in this world has broken their hearts."
Nancy Guthrie, Author of What Every Child Should Know about Prayer
"When our children were growing up, we sought out books to read to them, and a little later, books that they could read themselves. Many of them they wore out, unselfconsciously memorizing prose and poetry alike. The Moon Is Always Round has now been added to the 'must-read-and-cherish' list, not only because it is a good story and a true story, but because it is an important story that they will need to think about all their lives."
D. A. Carson, Author of How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil
"It's always best to rely on what we know to be true, rather than be guided by feelings. It's an important lesson, especially for boys and girls, and Jonny Gibson teaches it in his wonderful, new book for children, The Moon Is Always Round. Through a tender, yet tough story and beautiful illustrations Jonny provides a heartwarming guide to any parent shepherding their child(ren) through times of loss and grief. I give a hearty thumbs-up to this special book!"
Joni Eareckson Tada, Author of A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty
"This sweet and touching book is wonderfully simple without being at all simplistic. The metaphor of the always-round moon will stick with children and parents alike. The lesson here is a profound one for any family wrestling with grief, but it is also a needed reminder for every Christian who may ever doubt the goodness of God."
Kevin DeYoung, Author of The Biggest Story
"When we experience a deep loss, it's easy to doubt God's goodness. But that is exactly when we need to be reminded that God's tender, personal love for us never changes. Kids need to know that just as much as anyone else, and this beautiful book will give parents a way to help them understand that truth. But don't think this book is just for kids. Anyone who has experienced a deep loss will be comforted by this book's simple reminder that the moon is always round."
Libbie Groves, Author of Grief Undone and Becoming a Widow
"Most Christian children's books get too preachy. They say too much and see too little like a bad sermon. Not this book. Jonny Gibson has given us a modern-day psalm for children that takes us into the depths and points us to faith in God. Thank you, Jonny. Well done!"
Paul Miller, Author of J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life and A Praying Life
This is an incredible book. Author, Jonathan Gibson, recounts the story of his daughter’s death who was stillborn at 39 weeks. Gibson had taught his (then) three-year-old son that the moon is always round, even when it doesn’t appear to be so (e.g., crescent). Likewise, God is always good, even when life’s circumstances seem to contradict it.
This is an incredible book. Author, Jonathan Gibson, recounts the story of his daughter’s death who was stillborn at 39 weeks. Gibson had taught his (then) three-year-old son that the moon is always round, even when it doesn’t appear to be so (e.g., crescent). Likewise, God is always good, even when life’s circumstances seem to contradict it.
What a blessing this book has been to our family. We are so thankful for Leila and how her life has come to bring a multitude of families comfort in sorrow and a way of understanding one of the harder parts of the perfect providence of God!!!
What a blessing this book has been to our family. We are so thankful for Leila and how her life has come to bring a multitude of families comfort in sorrow and a way of understanding one of the harder parts of the perfect providence of God!!!
It’s wonderful that we are reminded by the moon that God is always good in the dark seasons of our lives. Thank you Lord.
It’s wonderful that we are reminded by the moon that God is always good in the dark seasons of our lives. Thank you Lord.
Beautifully written and illustrated book telling about a still born death from the perspective of an older sibling. The repeated phrase the moon is always round illustrating in a really interesting and deep way that God is always good, even when we can't see the big picture.
Beautifully written and illustrated book telling about a still born death from the perspective of an older sibling. The repeated phrase the moon is always round illustrating in a really interesting and deep way that God is always good, even when we can't see the big picture.
When our daughter died after she was born 26 years ago, having 2 preschool aged sons, I was drawn to Christ-centered books that would help kids experience sadness and tragedy but help them to understand that God is still faithful and loving. I have read many but this takes my breath away. I ADORE this book. Funny thing, just last week i was talking with an adult who was struggling with something difficult in his life, but not at all a death, and I was quick with "But the moon is always round" and it was like someone switched on a light for him. I just can't say enough wonderful things about this book. Thanks so much for sharing your God-given wisdom and your experience with us all.
A young boy is with his parents looking up at the moon. Through the different phases of the moon, Dad asks the boy a series of questions that always lead to the conclusion that regardless of how much of the moon is seen, "the moon is always round". As the book progresses, so do the illustrations of Mom, showing her pregnancy moving along. One day, the boy is told that baby won't be coming home after all. With this, Dad asks him again the questions about the moon and the conclusion is the same. The heart of the message is that just as the moon is always round, God is always good. Even when He cannot completely be seen or understood, God is always good The author's note in the back of the books gives context to the story, as this is a retelling of what happened in the author's family. I'd give a heads up to parents about the context of the book before having them read this with their kids. It is a good book that fits a particular situation that does happen very often in families. Miscarriages are so common and I'm glad there's a book for young ones to touch upon this issue.
