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A Quest of Creativity
Dim the Moon is a dreamlike picture book in which moonlight awakens a rooster and the farm seeks slumber once more, reminding young readers that even the liveliest nights must come to rest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My rooster, General, was a funny fellow. I would hear him crow and think… The moon must be too bright. Have you ever stood by the window and looked out at a full moon? If you have, then you know what I mean. But I also felt reassured. I knew when he crowed that all was well on “the farm.” Even if it was the middle of the night. Then he’d settle down again and have his second sleep. Something my children often did when they were very small.
How did you approach the balance between whimsy and the underlying message about the importance of rest?
I wanted the words to be simple, so the illustrations could have a chance to speak. Dim the Moon is just as fun to look at as it is to read. A second bedtime story, for when our eyes and minds are too tired to focus on anything overly complicated, but we still need a minute or two to settle.
The illustrations are fantastic. Did you collaborate with an artist, or are they your own work?
I took my strengths as a photographer and created the illustrations. Popcorn kernels as fireflies, pickles, and watermelon made frogs. It was a treasure hunt, a quest of creativity, to find the perfect landscape and item to make my detailed illustrations. I carried a white piece of paper with me to use as a background for random leaves or grasses I might come across. A puzzle of cut and paste, repeated for hours. You’ll find a tiny hidden self-portrait, a signature in the eyes of the owl.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Children’s Picture Books:
Theodore Won’t Float Summer 2025
Pumpkin Surprise Fall 2025
Magic Makers Winter 2025
Friendship Feathers TBD
Just Too Sweet (Type 1 Diabetes) TBD
Young Adult:
Hearts on Paper Summer 2025
New Releases:
Hurricane Stew
Dim The Moon
Preorder:
The Gobblers (Nov. 25 2025 Clavis Publishing)
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author-illustrator E. G. Creel takes a playful and imaginative approach to her artwork, using photographs of objects found in her garden and pantry to bring the story to life. Pickles become frogs, corn kernels glow as fireflies, and an owl is cleverly crafted from a pinecone, a chicken feather, and an apple slice. The moon itself is a moonflower, softly blooming on the page. Look closely and you’ll spot the artist’s “secret signature” —a tiny self-portrait waving from the owl’s eyes.
Dim The Moon
Dim the Moon by E.G. Creel is a charming and whimsical tale that enchants from the very first page. The story begins with a rooster, stirred by the luminous moonlight, crowing into the night and waking the entire farm. Confused and curious, the animals wonder why the rooster is awake. Irritated by the bright sky, the wise old owl pleads with the wind to soften the moon’s glow. A gentle gust sends clouds drifting in, cloaking the light and restoring peace to the slumbering farm.
Creel weaves a gentle, lyrical narrative, brought to life by stunning illustrations that resemble fine art. The visuals elevate the story, turning each page into a dreamy landscape. Though short, the book is deeply engaging, especially for young readers. Its rhyming text adds a musical quality, encouraging children to explore language playfully while also reinforcing phonetic patterns.
Beneath its soothing surface, Dim the Moon quietly imparts a thoughtful message: that rest is essential, even when the world feels too alive to sleep. By using outdoor animals to convey this lesson, the story subtly emphasizes that everything in nature, even the most wakeful creatures, needs stillness and sleep.
What makes this book even more special is its origin. Inspired by the author’s own rooster, the tale serves as a gentle reminder to young readers that their everyday surroundings can spark imagination and creativity. Stories live all around us, sometimes just outside the window.
A perfect bedtime read, Dim the Moon offers calm, wonder, and a touch of magic. It’s a story to be shared, savored, and remembered.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0F3V3256Q
LITERARY TITAN 