Kelly Barnhill’s award-winning book, “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” has captured the hearts of readers of all ages since its publication in 2016. But what many may not know is the journey that Barnhill took to bring this magical tale to life.

In an interview with Publishers Weekly, Barnhill revealed that the inspiration for the story came from a painting she saw of a girl with a crescent moon on her forehead. From there, she began to ask herself questions about who this girl was, what the moon represented, and what kind of world she lived in.

After several years of writing and revising, Barnhill submitted her manuscript to publishers and eventually found a home with Algonquin Young Readers. The book was released to critical acclaim and won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2017.

But the journey didn’t end there. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” has been translated into multiple languages and has inspired readers around the world. Barnhill has since published several more books, including “The Witch’s Boy” and “Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories.”

The success of “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” is a testament to the power of imagination and the hard work that goes into creating a captivating story. Barnhill’s journey from inspiration to publication serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers and a reminder of the importance of storytelling in our lives.