The Moth Keeper (A Graphic Novel)

K. O'Neill — 2023

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family. Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn’t exactly what Anya thought it would be? The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya’s dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences. K. O’Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy world about responsibility to yourself and your community. The Moth Keeper is filled with magic, hope, and friendship.

Reviews

Chloé@misslola44

Aug 25, 2024

super cute.

Floofyflower@jusalilfloof

Jul 11, 2023

I loved every bit of this. The characters, the story, and the artwork are incredible. There’s such a cozy atmosphere to this book and at the same time it deals with important/heavyish subject matter.

Paige Green@popthebutterfly

Mar 18, 2023

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Moth Keeper

Author: K. O’Neill

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: POC Characters, Queen Characters

Recommended For...: children’s readers, MG readers, fantasy, LGBT+, graphic novel

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Age Relevance: 8+ (parental abandonment)

Explanation of Above: There is a scene of parental abandonment in this book.

Publisher: Random House Graphic

Pages: 272

Synopsis: Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

Review: I thought this graphic novel was so poetic and beautiful. The book revolves around the MC who has a huge responsibility on their shoulders: tend to the lunar moths that help the village survive. The book explores loneliness and isolation. The book also explores the adult’s participation in this, having forced a child to take on this responsibility on their own without backup of others. The book is beautiful and amazing and would be a great read for parent and child to explore boundaries and how to handle when expectations are too overwhelming for them.

The only issue I had is that the ending was a bit fast, but otherwise it was amazing and perfect.

Verdict: I absolutely loved this book. Highly recommend.