The Man in the Moon by Walter Crane

Name: The Man in the Moon
Author: Walter Crane

The Man in the Moon is a classic children's story by Walter Crane. It tells the story of a young boy named Jack who lives in a small village in England. One night, Jack sees a strange light in the sky and decides to investigate. He discovers a man living in the moon, who tells him stories of his adventures in the stars. Jack is captivated by the man's tales and decides to join him on a journey to explore the universe. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange creatures and magical lands. In the end, Jack learns the importance of friendship and the power of imagination.

By Walter Crane · First published 1881 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 2,283 words

First lines

ONCE upon a time, long before people were able to learn what they wanted to know from printed books, long before children had pretty pictures to tell them tales, there lived an old student with his pupil. Together they spent all the day in poring over musty old books and papers, trying to find out why the sun was hot; and in the night-time they might always be seen gazing at the sky, counting how many stars there were there. They were very curious folk, and wanted to know the reasons for all sorts of out-of-the-way things that everybody else was content to know the mere facts of, such as why birds have two wings and not three, why crocodiles have no fins, seeing that they can swim in the water, and many other matters that would not interest sensible beings. They always had at their side a young owl, and a serpent, toothless and blind with age; for they thought that youthful observation and aged craftiness were most suitable companions for them in their labours. If at any time old Fusticus, for so the old student was named, got dispirited in his work, or felt inclined to give it up as a hopeless task, he had but to turn round in his chair, and there behind him sat his owl, who seemed to say, as he cocked his head on one side, "Never despair, success only comes after long perseverance!" Or if he stuck fast at any point, and could make no progress, one glance at the old serpent made him think, "Snakes wait whole days and nights on watch for their prey; why should I give in?" And, strange to say, with a little more attention and care, he always did get over his smaller difficulties.

What this Textopian page supports

The Man in the Moon is listed on Textopian as a short story by Walter Crane, dated 1881 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Walter Crane
Date: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Romance
Length: 2,283 words
Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Man in the Moon by Walter Crane
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Man in the Moon?
How does this short story by Walter Crane fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The title and plot of the book suggest a fantastical story about a man living on the moon.
Children's Literature — The book was written by Walter Crane, a well-known author of children's literature.
Adventure — The story follows the adventures of the man living on the moon, suggesting an adventurous plot.
Romance — The story may contain romantic elements, as the man in the moon is searching for his true love.