Talk Me a Story About Moon Rabbit
2024 New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship Award
Prose Category for Middle-Grade Novel
The Fellowships are competitive awards to New Jersey artists in 12 rotating disciplines granted solely on independent peer panel assessment of work samples. The anonymous process is focused on artistic quality, and awards may be used to help artists produce new work and advance their careers.
What if the stories your mother told you came to life?
Shelly loves listening to Momma talk stories about Korea, especially the one about Moon Rabbit. But Shelly has a big problem – she's scared of the dark and some kids at school are mean to her. Her only comfort is Lammie, her stuffed lamb from Halmoni.
One night, something amazing happens! Shelly wakes up to find Moon Rabbit in her kitchen, stealing their rice! When she tries to stop him, whoosh! He disappears into the rice pot!
Shelly knows she has to follow him and get back their rice. She takes a deep breath, hugs Lammie tight, and jumps into the pot. Suddenly, she's on the Moon!
But the Moon isn't what Shelly expected. It's full of dangers – like a hungry tiger and the scary Moon Gobbler. As Shelly's nightmares come to life, can she be brave enough to face her fears, uncover the truth behind Moon Rabbit’s actions, and solve the mystery of the Moon Gobbler?
Original art and illustration by Michelle Myers
Listen to Chapter 1 and join Shelly on an out-of-this-world adventure where Korean folktales come to life and a young girl discovers how strong she really is!
“This work holds deep personal significance for me as a biracial Korean American, intertwining my family history, cultural heritage, and creative expression. Most of all, this work serves as a tribute to my late parents and the rich tapestry of experiences they imparted to me.
My mother was a survivor of the Korean War, and her stories of hardship and resilience resonate meaningfully within the narrative. Her experiences during the war, especially the loss of her father, profoundly influenced her and, in turn, shaped my understanding of courage and the enduring impact of trauma across generations. Through storytelling, I honor her memory as well as my multicultural lineage, weaving together elements of Korean folktales and American culture.
Therefore, in writing this story, I aim to bridge the gap between cultures, celebrating the blending of my Korean and American identities while acknowledging the intergenerational legacy of war and displacement. TALK ME A STORY ABOUT MOON RABBIT becomes a vessel for exploring themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect communities. This project is not only a creative endeavor but also a deeply personal journey of remembrance, understanding, and cultural preservation.”