Hello, Everyone!
I am so happy to be back at my blogging desk and see you all, and I hope everyone had a wonderful summer, filled with all the things you love to do!
I did a lot of writing, a lot of visiting with kids and grandkids and other family, and A LOT of house cleaning and reorganization – with which I am still far from finished!
Part of my cleaning and reorganization involves moving my picture book library out of the basement and into my office, now that I have more shelving (thank you, Nancie, for the shelves you so kindly gave me that you no longer had use for!) I love having all my PBs at my fingertips, and I REALLY love that I can organize them all with Libib, an app that is easy enough that even I can figure it out and that allows me to catalogue all my books and tag them any way I like so it’s easy to find whatever I happen to be looking for. A PB with an unreliable narrator? Gazinga! Just have to search “unreliable narrator” and every PB I tagged that way pops up! No more desperately trying to keep track of what I have and remember everything! (which I was relatively unsuccessful at 🤣) I thought I’d mention it in case any of you might find it helpful! By the way, this is not an advertisement for Libib! There are several other similar apps like Library Thing and Bookshelf and others – you can do your own research and pick what works for you! – but I picked Libib because it’s so easy to use, and I’m sharing because I’m having so much fun with it. 😊
So now, here we are, at the start of a brand new school year, back at our desks, ready to write and read!
I am excited to share today’s Perfect Picture Book, a delightful new title from the lovely and talented Natasha Yim, whose book Sacajawea Of The Shoshone I hosted on its blog tour in 2012, and whose book The Rock Maiden was featured on PPBF in 2017! I love a good mystery and this is a perfect one for young readers! Charlesbridge is kindly offering to giveaway a copy of LUNA AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING MOONCAKES to one lucky winner (US addresses only, please) and all you have to do to be in the running for the random drawing is leave a comment on today’s post by Thursday, September 11 at 3PM Eastern!
Title: Luna and The Case of the Missing Mooncakes
Written By: Natasha Yim
Illustrated By: Violet Kim
Publisher: Charlesbridge, August 12, 2025, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-6
Themes/Topics: mystery, traditional cultural celebration (Mid-Autumn Festival), problem-solving (reasoning, logic), cooperation
text copyright Natasha Yim, 2025, illustration copyright Violet Kim, 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing
Opening:
“It’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Luna’s aunt, uncle, and cousins have come to share in the family Moon Festival meal.
“Mina!” Luna greets her favorite cousin. “What’s in the box?”
“Special mooncakes!” says Mina.”
text copyright Natasha Yim, 2025, illustration copyright Violet Kim, 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “Someone in the family is stealing mooncakes! Could it be big brother Kai? Luna’s other brother Benji? One of the cousins? Or maybe a grown-up? Detectives Luna and Mina search for clues and eliminate suspects during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. Can they catch the thief?”
text copyright Natasha Yim, 2025, illustration copyright Violet Kim, 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing
Links To Resources: The book includes informational back matter about the Mid-Autumn Festival and on section on math, logic, and reasoning that includes ideas for activities and discussion. In addition, here are three wonderful activities provided by author Natasha Yim!
Coloring Page
Labyrinth
Maze
text copyright Natasha Yim, 2025, illustration copyright Violet Kim, 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing
Why I Like This Book: This fun little mystery for younger readers combines all the problem-solving elements of detective work with subtly interwoven information about the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. It invites young readers to use their powers of logic and deductive reasoning to figure out who took the moon cakes, and the solution is a nice surprise. The art is engaging and charming, a perfect complement to the text for this age group. Back matter about the Mid-Autumn Festival and a discussion about the math, as well as suggestions for discussion topics and activities, are included. A wonderful choice for any library – personal, classroom, or pubic!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week! Also, anyone who has been sharing Perfect Picture Books all summer who would like to add them to the data base is welcome to add all their links to today’s list 😊
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
And remember, Charlesbridge is offering a copy of LUNA AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING MOONCAKES to one lucky winner (US addresses only, please) and all you have to do to be in the running for the random drawing is leave a comment on today’s post by Thursday September 11 at 3PM Eastern! 😊
Natasha Yim is a children’s author and freelance writer. She has published eleven picture books including, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2014), a Junior Library Guild and Scholastic Book Club selection, Mulan’s Lunar New Year (Disney Press, 2018), Luna’s Yum Yum Dim Sum (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2020) and Lunar New Year (Words & Pictures, Quarto Books, 2023). She has also written for the children’s magazines, “Highlights for Children”, “Appleseeds”, “Faces”, and “Muse”. Natasha’s new books, Luna and the Case of the Missing Mooncakes, another book in Charlesbridge Publishing’s Storytelling Math series, was released on Aug. 12, 2025. Her first board book, No School For Me (Change is Hard), part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies series, was published on Aug. 5, 2025. Natasha grew up in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong and loves to write about people and cultures from around the world.
Susanna Leonard Hill 
How wonderful that Charlesbridge is sharing Natasha’s book with one of us, just in time for the mid-autumn festival!
Yes, Susan! It is so generous! And the book is really cute!
Thank you, Susan! This book was so much fun to write.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
This sounds like such a wonderful story and inspires me to turn a twist into my own book by making the reader the detective in a story that already has an obvious mystery in it.
Thank you! Love it!!!
Wonderful, Diane! I’m so glad it inspired you!
Thank you for your kind words, Diane!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
I love how the two detectives are dressed. Bei-Bei is adorable with one flip flop on, caught in the act. What a great way to learn about a cultural celebration and incorporate other threads. Congratulations!
It’s beautifully done, and very cute, Robin! It’s a perfect mystery for younger readers!
Thanks, Robin! That was one suggestion on art I was able to make, based on my own daughters love of dress up as kids – so glad the art director, and my editor thought it was a cute idea and Violet just made them adorable!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
What a fun mystery all while teaching about an interesting cultural tradition! The illustrations are adorable!
I agree, Kim! I think they are perfectly suited to the age level and the story content!
Thanks, Kim! I loved logic mysteries as a kid, and when I was presented with an opportunity to write one, I jumped at the chance! And it was so much fun to write.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
This sounds like such a FUN book!
It’s very fun, Mary! I am a mystery lover, so I like it especially!
Thanks, Mary! It was really fun to write and for my first in-person book launch at a library, I created clues, stuck them to the bottom of kiddie flip flops and hid them around the library. Kids had a great time – so many fun things one can do with a mystery book.
I’m hoping to convert this idea into a virtual mystery hunt at the FREE virtual book release event I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy next Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 pm. EST, 10 am. PST. I’m inviting everyone here, and please feel free to pass on. The more, the merrier! We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Glad you had a wonderful summer, Susanna! Happy to read your blog again. Congratulations, Natasha! This book looks delightful.
Thank you so much, Sarah! I hope you also had a wonderful summer! I’m glad to be back 🙂 And the book IS delightful 🙂
Thank you, Sarah!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Love a tasty mystery, especially one with factual information woven into the story:-)
Me, too, Patricia! You can bet I was wanting to taste those mooncakes! 🙂 And the mystery is very nicely done!
Thank you, Patricia. For my in-person book launch, I bought some mini-mooncakes from Amazon (perfect for little hands), which had different fillings, and we did a mystery hunt and mooncake tasting. So many fun aspects of the book I can use to interact with readers.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Unfortunately – no mooncake tasting on this one.
What a treat! Thanks, Susanna.
My pleasure, Rose! I am always glad to share excellent books. I want everyone else to enjoy them, too!
Thanks for stopping by, Rose, and checking out the book.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual book release I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Love a mystery for the younger ones. Ideal for my grandkids, too. Thank you.
So glad you like it! 🙂
Thank you! Maybe they’d like to join a FREE virtual story time I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy (her debut picture book I Don’t Wanna Hibernate” is also super cute) next Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 pm. EST, 10 am. PST.
We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here: https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7 for the Zoom link.
so glad you are back! This will make a fun read aloud as the kids try to solve the mystery, great idea!
It is a great idea, Robin, and you are right that they will love it! 🙂
Thank you, Robin!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual Storytime I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
What a sweet book! What a fun book for the classroom! Love the illustrations!
So glad you like it, too, Pat!
Thank you, Patricia!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual Storytime I’m doing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Bring the kids/grandkids/students!
I did it!! I finally fixed what ever was wrong that prevented me from posting. Yay!
Hurray! I’m so glad! I’m sorry my site is always so temperamental!
As much as I dread seeing summer come to a close, I’m happy to read your blog after the summer hiatus! Great PB to begin with…a mystery that will delight the young readers! 📖❤️
I know exactly how you feel about the end of summer, Susan, but I love autumn, and I’ve always loved back to school time. In some ways it feels more like the start of a new year than January 1st does!
I agree! ❤️
Thank you for stopping by, Susan!
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE virtual Storytime I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Invite the kids you know! They’ll get 2 story times!
Yay! PPBF is back! And you brought a wonderful book to share. It looks like a perfect mystery.
So nice to see you, Sue! I miss everyone over the summer!
Thank you, Sue! The mystery aspect was super fun to write. I re-created the hunt for clues live for an in-person book launch, and the kids had so much fun. Am trying a virtual mystery clue hunt at my virtual book release event with author Anna Ouchchy on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. Should be fun. We’ll also have book giveaways, and prizes. You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
What a clever idea to combine a cultural holiday story with a mystery. I will be looking for a copy of this. Thanks for the heads up.
It is a very clever idea, Rosi, and so well done! I think you’ll enjoy it!
Thank you, Rosi. Mid-Autumn Festival is my 2nd favorite festival next to Chinese New Year, and I love those delicious mooncakes every year.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE book release event I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
You can also check out the flyer for more info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1667531610852364&set=a.566697064269163
Hello! Hello, Susanna! Thank you for the tip about your cataloging system. I’m going to be moving a lot of my books to much larger shelving, so now may be the time that I need to do this.
Luna sounds like a terrific mystery! Anytime readers can mix fun with math logic, I’m a fan. Congrats to Natasha and Violet!
Hi Jilanne! Gosh, I’m so happy to see everyone again! 🙂 You’re welcome for the tip – I hope it’s as useful for you as it is for me! And I’m glad you like today’s book – it’s a good one!
Thanks for stopping by Jilanne. I love Susanna’s tip for cataloging books too! This is my 2nd book with Charlesbridge Publishing’s Storytelling Math series and it’s such a great series for teaching math through really fun stories with diverse characters.
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE book release event I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
You can also check out the flyer for more info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1667531610852364&set=a.566697064269163
cool i like detective pbs
Me, too, Kimberly! 🙂
Thank you, Kimberly! I’ve always loved mysteries. My goal one day is to write an adult cozy mystery when I’m done with my children’s book projects (which may be never as I seem to keep coming up with more ideas for children’s stories)
I’m inviting everyone here to the FREE book release event I’m doing with author Anna Ouchchy on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll have book giveaways, prizes, and a fun virtual mystery hunt! You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
You can also check out the flyer for more info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1667531610852364&set=a.566697064269163
There are so many ways to teach critical thinking skills, especially with mysteries —and picture books
That is so true, Kathryn! I love reading mysteries, and Natasha’s book makes me want to write a PB mystery! 🙂
Absolutely, Kathryn! Kids love a good mystery! And they love hunting clues – I created a mystery clue hunt for my in-person book launch, and they had so much fun scouring the library for the next clue!
I’m trying a virtual mystery hunt for my virtual book release event with author Anna Ouchchy next Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 am. PST, 1 pm. EST. We’ll also have book giveaways, and prizes. You can register here:https://forms.gle/xyvyRu9XrZhryzYo7
Pass it on to the little detectives in your life.
You can also check out the flyer for more info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1667531610852364&set=a.566697064269163
From someone who loves mysteries, this books sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it!
I think you’ll really like it, Sandra!
This book sounds fun for readers–I love mysteries and this one also teaches about cultural events at the same time. Congratulations on your exciting book. Danielle Hammelef
It’s a fun one, Danielle! I love a mystery whether picture book or novel length! 🙂
I can’t wait to read this book!
I think you’ll enjoy it, Jan. It’s fun!
Looks AmAzInG; I love the enrichment activities and I’m really drawn to the simplicity and clarity of the illustrations. Thanks for the lead and the chance to win a copy.
I’m glad you commented on the illustrations, Barbara! I really love them, too. They are just perfect for the story and the age group!
Yes, Natasha has done it again! Another fun, teachable moment (minus lecturing) on so many levels. Congratulations Natasha and Violet!
I agree, Donna! Natasha has a lot of wonderful books! And I’m new to Violet, but she did a stellar job with the illustrations!
I am coming late to the party however calling it my Autumn Awakening! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and engaging mystery! I can’t wait to read it!
Hahaha! Autumn Awakening! I love that, Jean 🙂 I feel the same way – it’s like a whole new year, just starting in September instead of January 🙂
Congrats Natasha! Thanks for sharing this book. It looks adorable. I can hardly wait to read it. There are so few good mysteries for kiddos to solve.
That is VERY true in picture books, Deb! There are some wonderful ones in Early Reader/Early Chapter Book, but not so many I’m aware of in PBs!
Belatedly catching up on emails and just had to leave a quick comment! Susanna, thanks for the Libib info; it sounds like something I could use, too. Checking it out. And Natasha, I love a good mystery, so this book is going on my TBR list. It sounds like the perfect blend of fun and facts. And the three activities for kids are wonderful additions.
I LOVE it, Marty (in case you couldn’t already tell that from my gushing above 🙂 ) It is So. Much. Fun!!! And so helpful! I’ve got “collections” for Board Books, Picture Books, Early Readers, Chapter Books, and Writing Books & Reference Books, so I can easily search by type. Within that, I am tagging books by specific things like, lift-the-flap, or, lyrical text, or, inspiration, etc. so I can easily locate books within the collection. Why do I enjoy this so much? I can’t say! But it’s totally fun! And useful!
You can’t beat useful plus “fun!” A great combo!