Love Is Like the Moon
Grandma finds five-year-old Vincent standing at his window one night when he should be asleep. He is looking for a really big star to make a really big wish: that his Mommy and Daddy will stay together. As she comforts him, Grandma learns that Vincent is afraid that Mommy and Daddy could fall out of love with him one day, and then what would happen? With wisdom and patience, Grandma gently explains how parents always have love for their children—and for one another, too, even when a divorce occurs. After all, love is like the moon: we can’t always see her, but she is always in the sky.
“A tender, heartfelt story that reminds children of one powerful truth: even when families change, love doesn’t. I especially love how it honors the sacred bond between grandparents and grandchildren, offering wisdom, comfort, and security during times of change. A meaningful addition to my therapeutic library.”
—Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, RST-C/T
psychotherapist, speaker, and author of
The Bibliotherapy Toolbox
When families change through divorce or separation, grandparents and other trusted adults can provide children with much-needed stability, reassurance, and a safe place to share difficult feelings. While parents may be dealing with their own pain and challenges, Grandma can be a calm and loving presence for a child navigating an uncertain time. The sweet poem at the end offers Grandma’s love imprinted on the child every time he looks into the sky.
“. . . a gentle, reassuring picture book for children navigating parental separation. With warmth and clarity, it offers families a simple yet powerful way to talk about change, connection, and enduring love.”
The goal of Love Is Like the Moon is to facilitate the open expression of children's uncertain feelings and release the energy associated with them—feelings that must “go” somewhere. “Up” and “out” are always preferable to suppression, and this book encourages getting the feelings out so that healing may begin. In doing so, it offers children and the adults who love them a gentle way to begin conversations about divorce, separation, family change, and enduring love.
Love Is Like the Moon is unique in that it speaks from the heart of Grandma to the heart of a young child, directly addressing the fears and feelings of guilt that underlie the sadness a five- to eight-year-old typically feels when parents are divorcing or separating.
—Freya Howard,
play therapist, bibliotherapist, and founder of Play Refuge
“Junique McKay’s lovely book is invaluable to a young child who is trying to understand feelings that arise in him in the midst of his parents’ divorce.”
—Ronnie Brenner,
retired LCSW, BCD
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What is Love Is Like the Moon about?
Love Is Like the Moon is a children’s picture book that gently reassures children experiencing their parents’ divorce or separation that love can remain constant even when family life changes. Through a tender conversation between a little boy named Vincent and his grandmother, the story offers comfort, reassurance, and a sense of emotional security during an uncertain time.
What age group is Love Is Like the Moon written for?
It is written primarily for children ages 5–8, though families and professionals may find it helpful for children outside that range depending on the child’s individual needs and circumstances.
Can Love Is Like the Moon help children cope with divorce or separation?
The book was created as a gentle resource for opening conversations with children about divorce, separation, and family change. Its central message—that relationships and circumstances can change while love remains steady—can give parents, grandparents, caregivers, and professionals reassuring language for discussing difficult transitions with children.
FAQ
Can therapists, counselors, and other professionals use Love Is Like the Moon with children?
Yes. The book can be used as a supportive resource by therapists, counselors, play therapists, bibliotherapists, educators, and other professionals working with children and families experiencing separation or divorce. The story can serve as a natural conversation starter for exploring feelings about change, belonging, connection, and emotional security.
Who wrote Love Is Like the Moon?
Love Is Like the Moon was written by Junique McKay, RN, MS, CCMHC, a registered nurse and therapist with decades of experience helping people navigate difficult life transitions. The book reflects her commitment to helping children and families approach change with compassion, reassurance, and hope.
Where can I buy Love Is Like the Moon?
The book is available in hardcover and ebook editions through major book retailers. Links are included below.
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