Rich with metaphor, the story tells of a boy longing for something beyond his grasp. The boy sets out to find something that will win the Moon’s heart. To gain the unattainable, he offers the Moon a magnificent rose but is rejected. Then, he goes in search of a priceless pearl hidden in the depths of the ocean. Again he is denied his heart’s desire. His quest continues when he slays a dragon and takes his diamond eye as an offering to his love.
Even though he learns that many had tried to win the Moon’s love and had failed, the boy refuses to give up. Will his last attempt bring him what he longs for the most?
Rino Alaimo is an Italian cartoonist and filmmaker. This is his first book; a work of incredible beauty, with a mystical essence to it. It is illustrated in varying shades of deep brown interspersed with golden light throughout, except for one page which is a burst of multicoloured images. The text is also golden coloured against the dark brown. It comes with an eye-catching jacket of embossed gold illustrations and title against brown background.
This is a stunning piece of work as are all the books that have come via Exisle Publishing. Each page is a wonderland of beauty. It may be classed as a children’s book, but it is something for people far beyond the age of childhood and is certainly a booklover’s and collector’s item.
Title: The Boy Who Loved the Moon
Author/Illustrator: Rino Alaimo
Publisher: Familius, $22.99 RRP
Publication Date: September 2015
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781939629760
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book
