BEFORE THE NEW MOON

a middle grade novel by Tine Lefebvre, illustrated by Jacques & Lise world rights available

At the top of Bores’ back, just where wings would have been if he had been an elf, sits a hump. A small hump that makes it seem like he is constantly bending slightly while carrying the whole world on his shoulders.

The hump has only been there for a short time. Before that, Bores just walked upright like any other boy does: with the top of his head parallel to the trees and the tip of his nose pointed toward the clouds. The only way you can fully take in the world around you.

But then Mama and Papa decided that the island was too big. Too big, anyway, for just the three of them and a dog to live there. They also said something about how much room they had in their hearts, but Bores had already run to the dock by then.

Big hearts, blegh.

Bores has everything to be happy – no: had. Friday, his faithful dog.

Ark, the island his parents built themselves in the SansLake.

But then along came Moon. His new sister from the Mainland.

When Bores wishes for Moon to disappear and his wish comes true, everything seems to return to normal on Ark. And yet: suddenly, Friday is nowhere to be seen.

To retrieve his dog, Bores sets out to leave for the Mainland for the first time. But there he has to beware of the Landlubbers Mama and Papa have always warned him about.