Little Peter's Journey to the Moon (Peterchens Mondfahrt in German) is a fairy tale written by German author and playwright Gerdt von Bassewitz. It was first performed as a play in 1912 and was adapted in a storybook in 1915.
It follows the story of a boy named Peter and his sister Anneli, who help a Maybug named Mr. Zoomzeman retrieve his missing sixth leg from the moon. Their journey leads them to meet the Sandman, Santa Claus, and the Guardians of the Milky Way, who aid them in defeating the Man in the Moon, who has Mr. Zoomzeman's leg.
In 2007, an English translation was released, under the name Peter and Anneli's Journey to the Moon. So far, the story has been adapted into two animated films, one in 1990 under the name Peter in Magicland, and the other in 2021 under the name Moonbound.
This story contains examples of:
- Brother–Sister Team: Peter and Anneli.
- Chekhov's Gun: Peter and Anneli's stars, which are completely spotless because they're so pure. Anneli summons them to blind the Man In the Moon, allowing them to gain the upper hand against him.
- Incorruptible Pure Pureness: Mr. Zoomzeman enlists the help of Peter and Anneli specifically because they're so pure of heart. This is what allows them to defeat the Man in the Moon. Anneli summons their stars, who are completely spotless because of their good behavior, and blinds him, causing him to get lost in the deep moon woods.
- Only the Worthy May Pass: Upon reaching the Night Fairy's palace, Peter and Anneli have to prove they're brave enough to face off against the Man in the Moon. When Thunder Man, Gale Giant, and Voydanoy test their fears, the kids don't even flinch, proving their worth.
- Pajama-Clad Hero: Peter and Anneli embark on their journey in their nightgowns.
