Swimming to the Moon

There are many fascinating themes to explore in this heart-warming story. Bee is in the last year of primary school, and she’s struggling to come to terms with losing her Great-Gran Beatrix, who had lived in the nearby Rise and Shine Happy Care Home.  Bee – real name Beatrix Daffodil Tulip Chrysanthemum Rose Edwards – is a wonderful creation of a character, with her love of famous actors from old musicals, and of dressing in hats, scarves and stripy socks.  She has an intense fear of water, and she feels she has to perform superstitious rituals (hopping over a bridge each time she crosses it) to keep her safe.  She also has asthma and has to manage her condition with her inhaler.  When a new boy arrives at school with the equally unusual name of Moon Star, they strike up an instant friendship, and their adventures see them each helping the other to achieve important steps forward in their lives.  Moon Star learns how to read and write, and Bee learns to swim, so that she can take part in a sponsored swim to raise money for the care home.  Moon Star is from a travelling family, and his grandmother is fighting against the prejudice of the local community who treat her with distrust and seek to move her on.  We find out about the life of bees, and how to care for them, about the special relationship between a boy and a horse, and how you can overcome fears and other people’s negative attitudes, through sheer determination and belief in yourself.  A rich and beautiful story, with memorable characters who stay with you, and a strong message about acceptance and friendship.