2017 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One
Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles
written by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Meilo So,
and published by Chronicle Books, 2016.
Children ages
eight to twelve especially enjoyed this nonfiction book about loggerhead
turtles. Vivienne, who has just moved to a South Carolina barrier island, takes
up the challenge of her summer school teacher to solve a community problem. She
and her classmates entitle their project “Lights Out for Loggerheads,” as they
inspire their whole town to shut off the lights along the beach so that hatching
baby turtles head for the sea lit by the moon and the white caps of the waves,
and not towards the man-made lights on shore.
This story
inspired young listeners. They showed intent attention, asked questions and
made comments, shared the book with friends and family members, checked out the
websites mentioned in the back matter, and watched YouTube videos to learn more
about how the turtles hatched and found their way to the sea. Teachers noted
that the book could inspire children to pursue a passion by volunteering in
other environmental endeavors. Children also appreciated how the beautiful
illustrations in watercolor, colored ink, and colored pencils supported the
text and helped them to understand the subject matter.
Author Philippe
Cousteau is a leader in the environmental movement to educate the public about
nature and conservation. His family’s non-profit organization, EarthEcho
International, has the goal of inspiring young people to change the world.
Philippe Cousteau is the grandson of the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, who
taught him “to be curious, to ask questions, and to dream.” Cousteau and his
wife live in Los Angeles, California.
Co-author
Deborah Hopkinson is well known for her many children’s books about historical
and scientific topics. In 2009, her book Abe
Lincoln Crosses a Creek also won the Comstock Read Aloud Book Award. Ms.
Hopkinson lives with her family near Portland, Oregon.
Illustrator
Meilo So has created the artwork for many children’s books about nature and
animals. Originally from Hong Kong, she now lives with her family in the
village of Cullivoe on the island of Yell, one of the Scottish Shetland
Islands. Her studio called “Paradise” is a beautiful red shed in her garden
where she is surrounded by nature and views of the sea. (CAROL HANSON SIBLEY)