Nigel and the Moon

Every teacher/parent needs to read “Nigel and the Moon” by Antwan Eady. The dreaded question that adults always seem to pester children with – “What do you want to be when you grow up?” – can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. This is an inspiring and heart-warming picture book that celebrates passion, determination, and the power of dreams.

The story conveys important life lessons such as exploration, discovery, and following your heart which are all expressed through gentle rhyming prose and witty storytelling. Reading this book made me feel so many emotions! I loved that the story honoured “non-fancy” jobs and still encouraged kids to dream big. Nigel was supposed to participate in a career week at school, but he is hesitant to share his dream of becoming a superhero with his classmates and peers due to the fear of being mocked. When he told his parents, they supported him in all his pursuits, encouraging him to chase his dreams, big or small. He also feels that his parents' jobs are not impressive, so he confides in the moon instead.

Nigel's feelings change when his parents come to share happily about their work. He finds the courage to publicly share his own aspirations. This picture book encourages children to have big dreams and demonstrates that having a working-class job, like Nigel's parents, is nothing to be ashamed of. It also subtly addresses issues of equality and freedom in career choices. The book's main message is for children to find the courage to voice their dreams, no matter what they may be.

At its core, Antwan Eady's “Nigel and the Moon” is a powerful reminder not to be ashamed of one's dreams, but to pursue them regardless of what others may say. This makes it an inspiring read for all ages.