newbery honor author 

new york times bestseller

Gennifer Choldenko
Gennifer Choldenko
Moonstruck The True Story of the Cow Who Jumped Over the Moon

Buy the Book 

Moonstruck

written by Gennifer Choldenko
illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
all ages
Hyperion, 1997, ISBN 978–0‑7868–2130‑3

Synopsis

Once upon a time only horses jumped over the moon—until one day when a curious cow stops grazing, starts gazing, and then decides to try this incredible jump herself!

The horses laugh at first; after all, cows aren’t meant to vault. But when this moonstruck cow refuses to give up, they end their neigh-saying and start to wonder if a high-hurdling cow might be the first of her species to achieve her lofty goal. This illuminating spin on the favorite Mother Goose nursery rhyme is both a fanciful bedtime read-aloud and an inspirational story about the hard work and determination of a spirited cow with her eyes on the stars.

Behind the Book

Although I wrote Moonstruck: The True Story of the Cow Who Jumped the Moon 13 years before I won the Newbery Honor for Al Capone Does My Shirts, I do believe Moonstruck is my most autobiographical work.

I am the cow no one thought would ever amount to anything.

When Al Capone won the Newbery Honor, I really did feel I jumped the moon.

Awards and Recognition

  • National Parenting Association Seal

  • New York Library Best 100 Books for Reading and Sharing

  • Scholastic Book Club

  • Junior Library Guild

  • Cuyahoga County Library Best Children’s Books

  • Indiana Hoosier Award

Reviews

“Once upon a time it was horses that jumped over the moon. At least, that’s the premise of this funny story.” (New York Times)

“This hysterical and irreverent book will have you and your children in stitches.” (National Parenting Center)

““A very funny story … full of humorous details.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Fractured and funny … a fun read-aloud and a tribute to hard work.” (Booklist)

“Hilarious.” (School Library Journal)

“A giggle from beginning to end.” (Publishers Weekly)

Reader Illustrations

cow, Daniela Ramirez, Kettering Elementary School
Daniela Ramirez,
Kettering Elementary School
cow, Shelly Morgan, Cubberley Elementary School
Shelly Morgan,
Cubberley Elementary School