The Wind on the Moon

The Wind on the Moon follows sisters Dinah and Dorinda, who live in the English village of Midmeddlecum during wartime. When their father departs for war, he warns them about a mysterious wind that can affect their behavior. The sisters embark on a series of fantastical adventures, including transforming into kangaroos and befriending unusual creatures at the local zoo. Their escapades grow increasingly daring as they take on missions involving prison breaks and international travel. This Carnegie Medal-winning novel combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and wartime reality. The story explores the relationship between childhood mischief and moral responsibility, while questioning the nature of good behavior in a world that sometimes demands unconventional solutions.

Readers describe this as a whimsical, unconventional children's novel that balances humor with darker themes. Many parents report reading it aloud successfully to children ages 8-12. Readers appreciate: - The imaginative and absurd plot elements - Strong-willed female protagonists - Blend of fantasy and reality - Sophisticated vocabulary and writing style - Memorable animal characters - British wit and humor Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some dated cultural references - Length intimidates younger readers - Occasional dark or scary moments Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (375 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (52 ratings) "A rare book that treats children as intelligent beings" - Goodreads reviewer "The perfect mix of nonsense and seriousness" - Amazon reviewer "Too meandering and whimsical for my taste" - LibraryThing reviewer Several readers note it remains engaging for adults while appealing to children's sense of adventure.

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🌟 The book won the Carnegie Medal in 1944, making it one of the earliest recipients of this prestigious children's literature award. 🏰 Eric Linklater wrote much of the book while staying at Lamb's House in Leith, Scotland, a 17th-century merchant's house once visited by Mary Queen of Scots. 🌓 The novel's central theme of lunar influence on behavior was inspired by ancient folklore about the moon's power to affect human temperament and actions. ✈️ Despite being set during World War II, Linklater chose to keep the war largely in the background, focusing instead on the children's adventures to provide young readers with an escape from wartime anxieties. 🦒 The zoo scenes in the book were partly inspired by Linklater's visits to the Edinburgh Zoo, where he would often take his own children during the 1940s.