What do you think?
Rate this book
Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess
Miss Wilhelmina Moon is a dog governess. At her first placement, on a small island off the coast of France, her new charges - sixty-seven dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors - run wild. But armed with patience and a passion for teaching, as well as her companions, Mitford the monkey and Petunia the French bulldog, Miss Moon soon imparts twenty important lessons to her furry brood. Some are practical, some are playful, one or two are a little unusual, but all are necessary for the raising of happy, healthy and well-mannered dogs (and humans).
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2016
377 people want to read
About the author
Janet Hill
21books34followersJanet Hill is an artist and writer living in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. She is the author and illustrator of Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess, Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess, and Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House.
Currently her list of interests include but is not limited to the following:
Tornadoes, haunted houses, quicksand, pirates, witches, Lana del Rey, lady villains (preferably ones that wear monocles), dollhouses, dogs and cats, Christine McConnell, fashion and interior design between 1920-1979, Laurel Canyon, Slim Aarons, historic hotels, lairs (particularly ones located in dormant volcanoes), ESP, sea monsters, non fiction books, vintage cars, Old Hollywood, Wes Anderson movies, The Manson family, John Waters, and understanding why her husband owns over thirty books about Bob Dylan.
Currently her list of interests include but is not limited to the following:
Tornadoes, haunted houses, quicksand, pirates, witches, Lana del Rey, lady villains (preferably ones that wear monocles), dollhouses, dogs and cats, Christine McConnell, fashion and interior design between 1920-1979, Laurel Canyon, Slim Aarons, historic hotels, lairs (particularly ones located in dormant volcanoes), ESP, sea monsters, non fiction books, vintage cars, Old Hollywood, Wes Anderson movies, The Manson family, John Waters, and understanding why her husband owns over thirty books about Bob Dylan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 25, 2019
3.5 stars. A strange little book of wise advice for children, with amusing images in a nostalgic style that I cannot identify at the moment. The Miss Moon of the title dispenses one sentence about a behaviour or action per page, which is accompanied by an image. Each image is chock full of different kinds of dogs with Miss Moon, all engaged in an activity. The idea for the book is kind of cute.
February 19, 2016
NOTE: Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
I needed a "palate cleanser" after a few rather depressing YA books, and this was it. Although cats don't lend themselves well to being "governed," I hope there is a feline book in Miss Moon's (and Miss Hill's) future.
I needed a "palate cleanser" after a few rather depressing YA books, and this was it. Although cats don't lend themselves well to being "governed," I hope there is a feline book in Miss Moon's (and Miss Hill's) future.
December 12, 2015
"LESSON SIX: A good book will chase away the dark."
Amen, Miss Moon, amen. Filled with fantastic illustrations to accompany the twenty meaningful and applicable life lessons, Janet Hill's adorable picture book will indeed chase away the dark and put a big smile on your face. Pay attention to the sixty-seven dogs � you'll come to love them through the pages and soon pick favourites. Mine is definitely Bernie, because how could you not love a beret-wearing pug who is a messy vandal?
Amen, Miss Moon, amen. Filled with fantastic illustrations to accompany the twenty meaningful and applicable life lessons, Janet Hill's adorable picture book will indeed chase away the dark and put a big smile on your face. Pay attention to the sixty-seven dogs � you'll come to love them through the pages and soon pick favourites. Mine is definitely Bernie, because how could you not love a beret-wearing pug who is a messy vandal?
August 6, 2016
Delightful.
March 15, 2018
This was a lovely book. Beautiful and healthy messages and beautiful, nay exquisite illustrations! ❤️. Must own!
February 20, 2016
How exactly does one become a Dog Governess? I'm a cat person, myself, but I think I could handle being a governess for dogs like these.
The paintings are just beautiful, and I found myself comparing the illustrations to Chris Van Allsburg's - not because they share any stylistic similarity, but because you can't help but want to imagine what's going on and finishing the story, so to speak. Janet Hill does a magnificent job of giving the dogs their own personalities, and in making Miss Moon such a very interesting character.
The advice is equally spectacular. From practical - "A tidy space is a welcoming place" - to the whimsical - "Make-believe is food for the soul" - all 20 tidbits are valuable. Heck, I'm tempted to buy this book just so I have it on hand for my future kiddos!
The paintings are just beautiful, and I found myself comparing the illustrations to Chris Van Allsburg's - not because they share any stylistic similarity, but because you can't help but want to imagine what's going on and finishing the story, so to speak. Janet Hill does a magnificent job of giving the dogs their own personalities, and in making Miss Moon such a very interesting character.
The advice is equally spectacular. From practical - "A tidy space is a welcoming place" - to the whimsical - "Make-believe is food for the soul" - all 20 tidbits are valuable. Heck, I'm tempted to buy this book just so I have it on hand for my future kiddos!
March 9, 2016
MISS MOON: WISE WORDS FROM A DOG GOVERNESS
Written by Janet Hill
2016, 48 Pages
Genre: picture book, children's, animals
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)
★★★★1/2
I was blown away by the illustrations in this book. I wanted to buy the book to frame the lovely artwork. Miss. Moon is a governess for dogs and has advice for those who would like to own dogs. it is a mix of a story with advice. I think this is a good book for adults to read to their children but also take in the advice themselves.
k (My Novelesque Life)
Written by Janet Hill
2016, 48 Pages
Genre: picture book, children's, animals
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)
★★★★1/2
I was blown away by the illustrations in this book. I wanted to buy the book to frame the lovely artwork. Miss. Moon is a governess for dogs and has advice for those who would like to own dogs. it is a mix of a story with advice. I think this is a good book for adults to read to their children but also take in the advice themselves.
k (My Novelesque Life)
April 24, 2019
This is the sort of book I often dislike because it doesn't seem to be about anything. But I couldn't help but be charmed by this illustrated collection of wise sayings from Miss Moon, governess to sixty-seven dogs.
Each bit of wisdom is accompanied by an illustration featuring the dogs and their governess. Some are funny, some are deep, and some are just plain good advice.
The pictures are probably the most entertaining part of the book... especially the group picture at the end, where all the dogs are named. Some of the dogs (and their names) are laugh-out-loud funny.
I'm not sure who the intended audience is for this book, although there's plenty to look at in the pictures, so it's probably a decent read for kids. There's no story, though, just a bunch of "wise words"; keep that in mind if you're looking for something with more of a narrative.
Each bit of wisdom is accompanied by an illustration featuring the dogs and their governess. Some are funny, some are deep, and some are just plain good advice.
The pictures are probably the most entertaining part of the book... especially the group picture at the end, where all the dogs are named. Some of the dogs (and their names) are laugh-out-loud funny.
I'm not sure who the intended audience is for this book, although there's plenty to look at in the pictures, so it's probably a decent read for kids. There's no story, though, just a bunch of "wise words"; keep that in mind if you're looking for something with more of a narrative.
June 18, 2017
This is more of an advice book than an actual story but the charming illustrations of dogs, cats and other animals was a big hit with my nephews. The almost 5 year old heard it was a book about dogs and was eager to sit down and look at it with me-the first time I have EVER seen him sit and look at a book. The advice is very sound but some of the words are tough for a small child to understand. The 3 year old got bored and went off to find his mother.
The illustrations make this book worth looking at. Each one is filled with hilarious scenes of dogs doing human-like things. My favorite is the birthday party scene. Look closely at all the details. It's so charming. My sister-in-law, an artist, was intrigued by the paintings and wanted a closer look. I'll say this book got thumbs up all around with a two thumbs up from me and the almost 5 year old.
The illustrations make this book worth looking at. Each one is filled with hilarious scenes of dogs doing human-like things. My favorite is the birthday party scene. Look closely at all the details. It's so charming. My sister-in-law, an artist, was intrigued by the paintings and wanted a closer look. I'll say this book got thumbs up all around with a two thumbs up from me and the almost 5 year old.
Read
July 26, 2020Adorable artwork; I love her work.
Read
November 28, 2024A feast for the eyes
March 30, 2018
This is probably the cutest picture book I have ever read.
January 19, 2016
'Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess' by Janet Hill is guide for life with the kind of pictures I want in a calendar or framed on my wall.
Miss Wilhelmina Moon is a dog governess who has found a job on a small island. She is watching over 67 dogs along with her monkey, Mitford, and her bulldog, Petunia. Sixty seven dogs can be unruly, but with some rules for life, Miss Moon soon has them whipped into shape. The twenty lessons in the book include "Be true to your adventurous spirit" and "Never stop learning" among others. Each lesson is accompanied by a gorgeous painting of Miss Moon and her charges huddled together reading a book, or travelling in a hot air balloon.
I loved the paintings in this book. The life lessons are also good reminders for little readers. The whole book feels lush and rich and a bit hushed in tone, but I think it would be great fun to read with little ones as they explore the details of the pages.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House of Canada Limited, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fine ebook.
Miss Wilhelmina Moon is a dog governess who has found a job on a small island. She is watching over 67 dogs along with her monkey, Mitford, and her bulldog, Petunia. Sixty seven dogs can be unruly, but with some rules for life, Miss Moon soon has them whipped into shape. The twenty lessons in the book include "Be true to your adventurous spirit" and "Never stop learning" among others. Each lesson is accompanied by a gorgeous painting of Miss Moon and her charges huddled together reading a book, or travelling in a hot air balloon.
I loved the paintings in this book. The life lessons are also good reminders for little readers. The whole book feels lush and rich and a bit hushed in tone, but I think it would be great fun to read with little ones as they explore the details of the pages.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House of Canada Limited, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fine ebook.
May 16, 2016
Janet Hill is one of my favorite artists! Her work is fun, classy, and gorgeous, and each illustration tells you a full story but hints at so much more! I love searching her paintings for little details and clues about her fabulously glamorous characters. So, you can imagine that finally having an entire book to treasure makes me deliriously happy. The lessons are universal and timeless! The dogs are adorable! Miss Moon is a delight. My kids (3 and 1) love this book as much as I do. I think my son especially wants to join Miss Moon's canine classes and receive an alternative dog education! I do too. Does she accept people? I wish she would!
You will love Janet Hill's beautiful, whimsical world!
You will love Janet Hill's beautiful, whimsical world!
February 10, 2017
Charming book that has words of wisdom we can all live by.
December 28, 2017
This is the perfect gift book. It must be purchased as a coffee table hardcover version.
Labeling it for younger children is a disservice. This book is for us all.
I read it as an ecopy on my computer so I could enjoy the color illustrations. I can not say enough about the wonder and beauty of these color illustrations!
If given as a gift - it will be immediately opened and read cover to cover.
It is perfect for philosophers, life students, artists and of course lovers of dogs.
Don't wait for it to be gifted to you- GRAB your own copy to read over and over and appreciate and enjoy regularly.
I was given a copy via Netgalley to review.
Labeling it for younger children is a disservice. This book is for us all.
I read it as an ecopy on my computer so I could enjoy the color illustrations. I can not say enough about the wonder and beauty of these color illustrations!
If given as a gift - it will be immediately opened and read cover to cover.
It is perfect for philosophers, life students, artists and of course lovers of dogs.
Don't wait for it to be gifted to you- GRAB your own copy to read over and over and appreciate and enjoy regularly.
I was given a copy via Netgalley to review.
February 28, 2016
Books are wonderful creations of art. With unique stories flowing within its pages, you can make the magic live in every turn. But what makes the Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess by Janet Hill even more beautiful are the magnificent illustrations in it. Each page incredibly depicts different stories that you will understand or read by just looking at them. I was in awe of it. The art was classic and regal like the Dog Governess which reminds me of the old times.
Enjoy a short story, appreciate art and dogs, and acquire several lessons at the same time with this quick read. Despite being a children's book, I think adults would appreciate the overall feel of this book more.
Enjoy a short story, appreciate art and dogs, and acquire several lessons at the same time with this quick read. Despite being a children's book, I think adults would appreciate the overall feel of this book more.
February 13, 2017
Though I suppose this could be considered for children because of the few words, it strikes me as a book that will appeal to adults, particularly those who love quirky art and dogs. Imagine a Mary Poppins for canines. The artwork is gorgeous and fun, the wise words are good rules for all of us to live by (dogs and humans), and it is the sort of book you will pick up again and again and find something you didn't see before: (a blue fascinator hat strapped to the head of an air ballooning collie or a beagle waiting for a bath with a towel wrapped around his midsection). This is a good gift book for people of all ages. (I'm about to order one now as a graduation present for a dog lover.)
February 15, 2016
It’s hard to come up with an age range for this beauty of a book because it truly is for everyone. The pairing of Stratford-based artist Janet Hill‘s lush oil paintings of sophisticated Miss Moon and her dog charges romping around their estate on an island off the coast of France with pithy life lessons will hit the spot for so many people: children, dog-lovers, art collectors, recent graduates. Her oil paintings are just a little bit whimsical and are rich in colour and detail. Gorgeous!
July 15, 2021
Really beautiful illustrations--frameable.
There isn't much of a story here, just maxims. I'm not sure if kids would be interested in this. I agree with many of the maxims, but I think I was just looking for more story.
There isn't much of a story here, just maxims. I'm not sure if kids would be interested in this. I agree with many of the maxims, but I think I was just looking for more story.
December 25, 2015
Cute dogs, beautiful illustrations, and good life lessons. What's not to love? *I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.
April 7, 2016
Cute story with beautiful illustrations. This is a great book for dog lovers of all ages!
January 24, 2021
Beautifully illustrated with wise life lessons. Miss Moon is a Mary Poppins like governess for 67 dogs. No plot line but the lessons can initiate discussion.
March 27, 2024
By far my favorite of her books. Had I read this as a kid, I know these dogs would have imprinted on my heart and memory forever, so beautifully painted are they. Following a two-paragraph introduction, the twenty "lessons" are simple -- friends come in all sizes, respect the property of others, never stop learning, etc. -- but so much is going on in the full page illustrations which accompany them that I simply could not stop turning them with delight and showing them off to whomever I could find nearby.
Dogs in glasses! Dogs on tandem bicycles, complete with helmets! Dogs in so many costumes, for Halloween and otherwise! I also love the variety of breeds represented. The crown jewel is the "class photo" in back, with Miss Moon in the center of her pupils like any other teacher, and each heretofore-anonymous dog identified by name, from Cookie and Beau Squeaks to Evelyn Brambles and Baron Rupert the Third.
*happy sigh* There is really nothing quite like finding a picture book you genuinely adore as an adult.
Dogs in glasses! Dogs on tandem bicycles, complete with helmets! Dogs in so many costumes, for Halloween and otherwise! I also love the variety of breeds represented. The crown jewel is the "class photo" in back, with Miss Moon in the center of her pupils like any other teacher, and each heretofore-anonymous dog identified by name, from Cookie and Beau Squeaks to Evelyn Brambles and Baron Rupert the Third.
*happy sigh* There is really nothing quite like finding a picture book you genuinely adore as an adult.
March 24, 2018
I'm not going to deny that Janet Hill is a very talented artist, that isn't up for debate, the whole design of this book is. Her work is very loose and combined with the overly crisp text and leaf pattern behind each "lesson" the words and the art aren't balanced, and the graphic quality makes the art look sloppy. Plus the use of the Ribbon font from Lost Type Co-op makes this book feel dated. Fonts on Lost Type Co-op have a very quick half-life so shouldn't be used in book design. The only part of the "narrative" I liked was the class picture of all the dogs under her care and I think if this book had gone in a more Madeline direction, especially considering the looseness of Ludwig Bemelmans's art, this could have been a sweet and endearing book, instead of just a quick ten minute read.
May 17, 2018
An introduction, a class picture, and 20 aphorisms. If you love this, you want to buy it, so you can frame each. Miss Moon has wonderful posture and poise... she reminds me of a better mannered Mary Poppins. Too much of an 'instant classic' thing going on for me to rate more highly, but I do like the original concept.
Since there is no narrative, no word on how this island of dogs came to be, no insight as to hired this lady, there's no story. But an imaginative child could invent a whole story for many of the panels. Hm. I have no idea whether to recommend it to you or not. So, if you're interested, I hope you can check it out for free from your library system.
Since there is no narrative, no word on how this island of dogs came to be, no insight as to hired this lady, there's no story. But an imaginative child could invent a whole story for many of the panels. Hm. I have no idea whether to recommend it to you or not. So, if you're interested, I hope you can check it out for free from your library system.
June 1, 2020
“Lesson Six: A good book will chase away the dark.� 💡 | This collection of twenty most important lessons will have you questioning if these wise words are for pups or for humans. This morning’s #readaloud pick: Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess by Janet Hill.
A few of my favourite lessons/pages 🐶♥️...lesson six, lesson seven, and especially right now, I’d like everyone to be reminded of very important words... lesson sixteen: “Practice the art of conversation: listen more than you speak.�
A few of my favourite lessons/pages 🐶♥️...lesson six, lesson seven, and especially right now, I’d like everyone to be reminded of very important words... lesson sixteen: “Practice the art of conversation: listen more than you speak.�
February 8, 2019
We are getting ready to leave the wonderful world of picture books, so I am forcing my kid to reread my favorites.
Oh Miss Wilhelmina Moon. This is not a storybook, but a list of 20 lessons for dogs which humans would do well to heed. I think the artwork makes this one. Infused with vintage charm, we take turns pointing out our favorite dogs and settings and would love to escape to this little island.
Oh Miss Wilhelmina Moon. This is not a storybook, but a list of 20 lessons for dogs which humans would do well to heed. I think the artwork makes this one. Infused with vintage charm, we take turns pointing out our favorite dogs and settings and would love to escape to this little island.
April 18, 2020
The illustrations are beautiful and humourous and can be pondered over for a long time. The old-fashioned words of wisdom are delightful and a welcome change from some modern gross-out humour.
Miss Moon’s story and illustrations are a quiet, magical, and pleasant way to end the day.
Miss Moon’s story and illustrations are a quiet, magical, and pleasant way to end the day.
February 25, 2024
For dog lovers everywhere, of any age. This was a delightful picture book of life wisdom, but the illustrations are really what sets this book apart. A quick read, but take the time to appreciate the art.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.