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The Leopard Behind the Moon

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( 160 ratings, 25 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Leopard Behind the Moon, young Ezomo ventures into the mysterious Forbidden Woods in search of answers and a resolution to the unsettling events in his village. Filled with magical realism, this children's book weaves themes of bravery, friendship, and the courage needed to face one's fears. The narrative enchants with its vivid imagery and endearing characters, making it a captivating read for children.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy heartwarming tales of adventure and friendship. It artfully weaves elements of fantasy and mystery as young characters embark on a courageous journey that explores the bonds of community and the promise of hope. With imaginative storytelling, it captures the curiosity and resilience of children facing the unknown.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

No one knows what lies beyond the magical village door, but Ezomo is determined to find out.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

“A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

No one knows what lies beyond the magical village door, but Ezomo is determined to find out. Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev’s debut is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and long-standing traditions. The power of storytelling comes to life in this novel perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Tracey Baptiste, and Tae Keller.

There are three important laws in Ezomo’s village: Do not go to The Valley, do not go out at night, and never, ever, ever open the magical door that protects them all. But when Ezomo encounters the leopard believed to have killed his father, he and his two best friends embark on a journey that leads them past the boundaries set by their elders.

With his friends by his side, Ezomo chases after the leopard, certain that it has the power to cure all. But in the process, he discovers the truth about his village. And that cautionary tales exist for a reason.

Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev’s debut novel balances a gripping adventure with themes of friendship, community, identity, grief, and resilience. Poignant and memorable, Ezomo’s story will appeal to fantasy lovers and readers of Grace Lin and Kelly Barnhill.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Set in a richly imagined West African-inspired world, The Leopard Behind the Moon is a captivating coming-of-age story about a boy and his friends on a bittersweet pilgrimage. Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev’s prose is described as smooth and poetic, masterfully weaving themes of friendship, family, loss, and hope. The narrative, combining elements of adventure and folklore, delights with its use of West African oral traditions, making it enjoyable to read both silently and aloud.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062993625

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 December 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Greenwillow Books

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 297g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev is a writer and a reader. Born in Liberia, she was exposed to a culture of oral storytelling at a young age. She lived in the Netherlands for several years, where she learned to stuff her klompen (wooden shoes) with carrots and developed a love for reading stories-especially tales written by Roald Dahl and Astrid Lindgren. She lives in Peachtree City, Georgia, with her family.

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