Moon Pie

by Simon Mason
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A funny, sad, bittersweet novel about a girl, her little brother and their alcoholic father. A story about family, love, and pies.

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Synopsis

When I'm older, she thought, I'll remember this midnight picnic as a good thing. I'll forget that I was scared of the dark, and that Dad was strange. I'll remember the candles in the grass, like flowers made out of flame, and Tug dreaming of pie, and Dad telling me he loves me. Eleven-year-old Martha is used to being the one who has to keep their head.Tug, her little brother, is too small. Dad is too strange. And Mum’s not here any more.So when Dad falls off the roof, it’s Martha who ices his knee and takes him to the doctor. And when Dad doesn’t come home, it’s Martha who cooks Tug’s favourite pie and reads him his bedtime story. And when Dad passes out, it’s Martha who cleans him up and keeps his secret.But eventually Dad’s problems become too big for even Martha to solve. There is only one person who can sort things out now. Dad.

Editorial Reviews

"Best known for his Quigleys books, Mason tackles the sensitive topic of an alcoholic father with great aplomb. It's happy, sad, compassionate and funny with wonderfully drawn child characters Martha and Tug." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

"It is a well written book, which children aged 9+ would enjoy. It tackles the subject of parents with alcoholism however that is not the only story within the book. It is about friendship and laughter and working towards your dreams. Some dreams do come true and are worth working towards." - Sarah's Book Reviews

"It is a well written book, which children aged 9+ would enjoy. It tackles the subject of parents with alcoholism however that is not the only story within the book. It is about friendship and laughter and working towards your dreams. Some dreams do come true and are worth working towards." - Sarah Broadhurst, The School Run

"Zany, thought-provoking, and humorous, Moon Pie is a high impact novel. Vivid characterisation and an assured, lively and sometimes lyrical tone create a wholly convincing backdrop for Martha who is struggling to keep her family on track through her father's alcoholism. Incisive observations combined with perfectly timed comedic movements make this a sure winner." - Jake Hope, The Bookseller

"I loved this gorgeous little book. Its subject is dreadfully dour, but it's not a dour book at all. Firstly, no matter the faults of the adults in the book - and they are legion - the genuine love in the family shines through. It's always clear that where there's love, there's hope. This is an important message at any time, but it's crucial when you're writing for tweens and pre-tweens. Secondly, Simon Mason has an enviable lightness of touch. He can write about a midnight picnic so that it makes you smile even though you know it's actually a very dark event, symptomatic of how dangerous Martha's father's drinking has become. And thirdly, there's a wonderful cast of larger-than-life supporting characters. 5 stars" - The Bookbag

"Topics like dead mothers and alcoholic fathers are extremely difficult to address for this age group, but Mason tells the story with cpmpassion and humour." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

"The characters make this book live. They positively spring off the page. Tug is one of the most loveable and believable five year olds I've encountered in a book...Critics will use the word 'heartwarming' about this book and they'll be right." - An Awfully Big Blog Adventure

"Moon Pie is a charming, unusual story that will appeal to any child who enjoys true-to-life tales... With plenty of wit and humour, this book addresses issues that affect many children with a light touch." - Red House

"Outstanding... this is a book that addresses painful events with a wonderfully ebullient comic touch... it's Mason's gift for the way that people, especially children speak and think that makes the book gripping and absorbing... Moon Pie addresses a difficult subject with a vigour and charm that will beguile any child interested in real life. The opposite of grim, its originality, tone and ebullience deserves prizes as well as praise." - Amanda Craig, The Times

"full of warmth and humour, often of the laugh-out-loud variety, skilfully intertwined with moments of sheer poignancy" - Oxford Times

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