Lilies on the Moon

Reviews

"Although written from a child's perspective, the poetry is by Robert W. Kurkela, an adult, wonderfully and uniquely enhanced with the illustrations of his preschool daughter Cassidy. Lilies on the Moon is a collection of poetry as highly recommended for parents as it is for children. Bugs: Bugs abound in bed/Bugs are in my head/I shall not sleep then,/I'll stay up late again.//Mom and Dad show dismay/They've had a long day/They haven't any smiles/I'll make them stay awhile.//They won't watch the time/As I talk and I rhyme/Soon they'll laugh with me/In nighttime harmony.//Bugs about in bed/So I've already said/They don't stop biting/Until I stop writing."
Midwest Book Review

"This book, a collection of poems from a father accompanied by his daughter's artwork is wonderful-the artwork plays perfectly off the poems, creating a beautiful package that the author's family will most certainly cherish for generations to come. There are a few styles of poems and all of them have a subtle deeper heartbeat than what appears at first. Poems like 'Bugs' and 'Words, Pranks and Charms' have a magic about them that children are sure to love and parents will enjoy reading to them."
Writer's Digest

"Lilies on the Moon is a loving tribute to the author's mother. Whimsical poems by Robert Kurkela give one a peek at a child's view of family and world. This book is beautifully complemented by the author's young daughter. Her paintings are depicted in a way that keeps the spontaneity of a preschooler's first forays into color and paint, and yet they are timeless, starkly beautiful and can stand on their own like any splash of nonrepresentational art. This is a lovely book that introduces poetry to young children and may also encourage them to write and paint as well."
Janice Phelps, Editor in Chief, Lucky Press, LLC

"It is heartwarming to read the moments a father captures of the most natural of things a child does.  A parent can relate to their child’s first tooth; teaching them to tie their shoes; and of course the first attempt at walking; but Kurkela captures these moments in a whimsical way that will have you backtracking to those moments with your own child.  His daughter’s artwork will attract the attention of aspiring artists as they see the brilliant colors in print and the depth of love this father reveals, welcomes all parents to cozy up on the couch and share these poems with their little ones!” 
Tara Paterson, founder of Just For Mom

 "Lilies on the Moon is a stunning homage to family and relationships in their purest form: through the eyes of a child. There is much to celebrate in this beautiful children's book of poetry, written by a father and illustrated by his daughter. It is the strength and beauty of the poet's and artist's loving bond between father and child that inspire you to appreciate the universal family experience."
Dana S. Hyland, PR Coordinator, Heroic Choices

 "These poems are wonderfully written, sharing the trials and tribulations of being a child. The learning, the exploring and the pains of growing up are sweetly depicted in the details."
Angela Wendaur, Instructor, Am-Tree Developmental Nursery

"Lilies on the Moon looks superb. Your daughter Cassidy's illustrations are beautifully executed and your poetry is very moving. (I especially enjoyed 'Tying Our Shoes.')"
Catherine Herman, Associate Vice President, University At Albany