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Excited to announce the publication of my first children's book!!
The Raven & The Moon is a beautifully illustrated fable about a brave
little girl, a mischievous raven, and a heroic whale who brings light
back to the world. When a mysterious raven steals the sun from the
sky, young Saskia is plunged into darkness and dreams of magical
oceans, glowing colors, and the sun’s rescue from the deep. Guided by
wonder and courage, her dream unfolds into a radiant adventure of
hope, nature, and renewal.
Told in lyrical rhyme and filled with whimsical imagery, this timeless
tale captures the magic of dreams and the power of light in the face of
darkness. Perfect for bedtime reading,...The Raven & The Moon invites
readers of all ages to believe in the impossible and share stories that shine.
Ideal for ages 4–9.
(Also loved by dreamers of any age.)
Book Review: The Raven & The Moon
The Raven & The Moon is a tender and enchanting fable that reads like a timeless bedtime story, carrying the rhythm and magic of a classic children’s poem. Johnny Otto crafts a lyrical tale about courage, loss, and restoration, all wrapped in whimsical imagery that will speak to the hearts of both children and adults.
The story follows Saskia, a spirited young girl who spends her days joyfully riding her pony, Indico, through sunny orchards. But their idyllic world is upended when a mysterious raven swoops in, its great black wings blotting out the sun. The light disappears, replaced by a sudden night, and both Saskia and Indico are left frightened and helpless. This first part of the fable carries an almost mythic weight, evoking the ancient storytelling tradition of animals as powerful forces of nature and change.
In the second part, Otto shifts the tone from fear to wonder. Through a vivid dream sequence, Saskia witnesses the raven carrying the sun to the ocean and dropping it into the deep. Just as despair threatens, a majestic blue whale rises from the water to save the day—literally—lifting the sun back into the sky. It’s a striking image of resilience and unexpected allies, with the whale embodying hope and quiet heroism. When Saskia wakes to find the sunlight restored and the raven gone, the story closes on a note of warmth and renewal.
Otto’s writing style is simple yet musical, with rhyming couplets that invite reading aloud. The repetition of imagery—the sun’s warmth, the raven’s shadow, the whale’s strength—gives the story a poetic structure that makes it feel both familiar and fresh. Children will delight in the colorful, almost cinematic scenes, while adults will appreciate the underlying themes: that light can return after darkness, that help can come from surprising places, and that even frightening events can pass, leaving room for joy again.
As with all good fables, The Raven & The Moon leaves space for interpretation. Younger readers may take it as an exciting adventure about animals and magic, while older ones may see it as a metaphor for resilience in the face of loss. In either case, it’s a gentle reminder to hold onto hope.
Johnny Otto’s whimsical touch, paired with the book’s rhythmic storytelling, makes this a charming addition to any children’s library. The Raven & The Moon is more than just a tale for little dreamers—it’s a small, shining parable for anyone who has faced a dark day and waited for the light to return.
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