The Wind on the Moon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The Wind on the Moon

Front cover of first edition
Author	Eric Linklater
Illustrator	Nicolas Bentley
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Genre	Children's fantasy and comic adventure novel
Publisher	Macmillan & Co.
Publication date	1944
Media type	Print (hardcover)
Pages	363 pp (first edition)
OCLC	684020
LC Class	PZ7.L66286 Wi 1944

The Wind on the Moon: A story for children is an exciting fantasy novel. It was written by Eric Linklater and first published in 1944. The book includes wonderful illustrations by Nicolas Bentley. Both Macmillan in the UK and Macmillan US released the book in the same year.

The story begins in a made-up English village called Midmeddlecum. It's set during a time of war. The main characters are two sisters, Dinah and Dorinda. Their father is away fighting in the war. The girls get into many magical, strange, and sometimes dangerous situations. The book suggests that a "wind on the moon" is making them act a bit naughty for a whole year!

This book is very special. Eric Linklater won the Carnegie Medal for it. This award is given by the Library Association for the best children's book written by a British subject each year.

What is The Wind on the Moon About?

The Girls' Wild Adventures Begin

The story starts with Major Palfrey, the girls' father, leaving for war. He gives his daughters, Dinah and Dorinda, an important warning. He tells them they must behave well while he is gone. "When there is wind on the moon," he explains, "you must be very careful how you behave." He warns that if it's a bad wind and they act badly, it will fill their hearts. This would make them misbehave for a long time.

And that's exactly what happens! Soon, the girls drink a special potion. A local witch gives it to them. This potion turns them into kangaroos! They find themselves stuck in the zoo. But they are clever and manage to escape. They even make new friends there: a golden puma and a silver falcon.

Helping Friends and Family

After their first big adventure, Dinah and Dorinda become even more daring. They decide to help their dancing teacher, Casimir Corvo. He has been put in jail. The girls use their smarts to free him.

Then comes their biggest challenge yet. A mean ruler named Count Hulagu Bloot has captured their father. Count Bloot is the tyrant of a place called Bombardy. He loves to make people unhappy and eat peppermint creams. He has locked Major Palfrey in his castle's dungeons.

The Great Rescue Mission

Dinah and Dorinda, along with their puma friend and their beloved dancing teacher, plan a daring rescue. They hide themselves in a room made of furniture. This room is secretly placed inside a huge moving truck. They travel all the way from England to Bombardy. Once there, they carry out a dramatic plan to save their father.