Walker Books partners with Save the Children on Moon of Kyiv picture book

Walker Books is partnering with Save the Children on a “hopeful and empathetic” picture book, giving 100% of the net profits to support children impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. 

Deirdre McDermott, picture book publisher, acquired world English language rights to The Moon of Kyiv, first penned more than 70 years ago by the late Italian author Gianni Rodari, from Mara Nascimben at Edizioni EL. It will publish on 7th July.  

The publisher said: “The universal message of peace in the poem continues to resonate today and reminds readers that ‘no matter where we’re from, or where we live, we all exist under the same moon; that the moon is for everyone’.” 

In the days following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the lyrical words of the poem went viral in Italy, and became a call for peace. Now, for the first time, the poem has been illustrated with pictures by award-winning Italian artist Beatrice Alemagna.  

Caroline Whatley, director of partnerships at Save the Children UK, said: “We are immensely proud of this partnership with Walker Books and the money it will raise for children affected by the conflict in Ukraine living through the darkest moments of their lives. It is thanks to this support that we can continue our work for as long as it takes to help them, and their families, rebuild their lives. 

“Constant social media, news and conversations between adults means that children around the world are also very aware of this conflict. Many are frightened and have questions. We hope this beautiful story can provide parents and caregivers with an opportunity to talk to their children about the crisis in a way that helps allay some of their fears.” 

McDermott added: “With every passing day since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, more and more children have become hurt, displaced and homeless. It is very hard to find the proper words to respond to such an urgent crisis. Yet here, with The Moon of Kyiv, a poet from the past is able to find the words we have all been looking for. 

“Both in its lyricism and sentiment, this poem is hopeful, wise, and completely heartfelt. When read aloud, The Moon of Kyiv sings a simple and important truth that, beneath the light of the moon, we are all entirely equal; we are all brothers and sisters together. The moon has the power to connect each and every one of us – and it’s a power that the best picture books have, too. Pictures and words transcend all borders, everywhere – and here, Gianni Rodari’s pure words paired with Beatrice Alemagna’s luminous pictures, truly speak to everybody. 

“Walker Books are very proud to publish this book in collaboration with Save the Children in order to raise funds for the Ukraine appeal. We believe that The Moon of Kyiv is a proper, tangible way to speak with children about the conflict, about peace, and about the world that every one of us shares together.”