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Four Main Characters
Shaari
The leader of the team and is a Malaysian squirrel from Penang
Karnchana
Finlayson’s squirrel from Thailand that Shaari met on his first mission
Safrina
Sunbird from Penang who has been with Shaari from the very beginning
Thiri
Sunbird from Myanmar that joined the team part way through their first mission
Basis of the books
Whilst the books are meant to be fun and enjoyable, they also have a serious educational role. As the team travel to various places, all the details are correct along with their methods of travel. Even first names of animals are relevant to the country the animals live in. All the adventures also have a serious animal conservation message aimed at assisting animals that are under threat.
Book 1: A Journey Begins
The Secret Mission Of The Malaysian Squirrel
The first book in the August Moon collection introduces readers to a world filled with discovery and excitement. Young readers are guided into an adventurous setting where curiosity leads the way, and every decision matters.
“Shaari, I know you are a brave and clever young squirrel, and so I want to ask you if you would be prepared to carry out a dangerous but important mission for the sake of all squirrels?”
This story lays the foundation for the series by:
- Introducing key themes of exploration and bravery
- Helping children understand the importance of awareness and responsibility
- Encouraging confidence in facing unfamiliar situations
Perfect for early readers, this book sets the tone for the adventures that follow, making it a great starting point for children new to the series.
Book 2: Learning Through Adventure
The National Park Mission of The Malaysian Squirrel
The second book builds on the spirit of exploration, taking readers deeper into a story where teamwork and observation become essential. As the adventure unfolds, young readers are gently introduced to environmental themes through storytelling rather than instruction.
Just then Bahari appeared out of the hole in the tree with no sign of any surprise. “Hello, and where do you want to go to this time?”
“When we were in Myanmar, a pangolin told us of the danger that his Malaysian relatives suffered from poachers, but we have no idea where to find them.”
This book helps children:
- Recognise the value of working together
- Develop empathy for animals and nature
- Understand how small actions can create meaningful change
With a slightly more layered storyline, this title is ideal for children who are gaining confidence as independent readers.
Book 3: Understanding the Natural World
The Penang Sea Mission of The Malaysian Squirrel
The third book in the August Moon series places greater emphasis on wildlife and environmental awareness, presented in a way that feels natural and exciting rather than educational.
The team could hardly wait to hear Latif’s suggestion and they listened carefully to what he was saying before he decided to meditate again!
“I mean we should concentrate this time on the creatures of the water,” said Latif.
“But are they really threatened like the pangolins and the others we have helped?” asked Karnchana.
“They most certainly are,” replied Latif in an almost grumpy voice.
Join Shaari and his team as they tackle the danger to sea creatures around Penang as a non-swimming squirrel finds a way to talk to sea creatures.
Through engaging scenes and relatable challenges, children learn:
- Why wildlife conservation matters
- How humans and nature are interconnected
- The importance of respect for living things
This story resonates especially well with young readers who are curious about animals, ecosystems, and the world around them.
Book 4: Courage, Choice & Responsibility
The Mission of the Malaysian squirrel: To stop the Taman Negara Feud
As the series progresses, the fourth book introduces more complex emotional themes while remaining accessible to young readers. Characters are faced with meaningful choices that test courage, honesty, and responsibility.
Bahari continued.
“These are only some of the problems. Having got rid of the power of the poachers they have their freedom to build an even better forest. However, now we have a place where groups keep to themselves, where some groups want to control what others do, where some animals are thought not to be real animals of the forest and where even the macaques, lemurs and squirrels no longer play together. Surely a system like this can never really grow the forest and its creatures.”
This book supports:
- Emotional development
- Critical thinking
- Understanding consequences in a gentle, age-appropriate way
Parents and educators often appreciate how this story opens the door for conversations about values, decision-making, and accountability.
Book 5: A Meaningful Conclusion
The Malaysian Squirrel Mission with Shireburn the Eagle
The fifth published book brings together many of the themes developed throughout the series. It reflects growth — both in the characters and in the readers who have followed the journey from the beginning.
The two sea eagles, Awang and Mubdia, along with Shireburn, swooped down to a group of trees where two squirrels, two sunbirds and a very sleepy monitor lizard were having a meeting.
“We have an eagle here, called Shireburn, who has come all of the way from England and he has discovered lots of eagles under threat,” explained Mubdia.
“Well, you have come at just the right time,” replied Karnchana. “We were just having a meeting to try and decide where our next mission should be and it seems as if you have solved it.”
This story reinforces:
- Long-term thinking
- Respect for the environment
- Confidence in personal values
While the series continues to evolve, this book serves as a rewarding milestone for readers who have grown alongside August Moon’s stories.
About the Author
August Moon is the name that the author uses for his children’s books as distinct from his business books. He settled on it because the first book was originally written for his granddaughter who visited him in August and would go with him to look at the moon each night. It is why the moon figures so much in Shaari’s adventures.
It was only later that the author discovered the significance of the August Moon in Asian culture, and it was purely accidental that the first book was published in August 2021 at the time of the Moon Festival.