Moon Exploration Book List
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A few details about my list:
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I wanted to create a list of books that did not include evolution, mysticism, or questionable content. If I kept a book on the list that includes anything that I consider questionable, I will clearly state it in the comment under the book.
Do I think it is wrong to own or read books that include evolution? No, not necessarily. I think there is a time and a place to read books that include evolution. It can actually be a great tool to create good, honest discussions. However, if that is the book's main focus, then it can take away from the good things our children should be learning. To learn more about how I review books click here.
Not only does this list include many great book options to choose from, but I also included a few resources and activities that are a perfect addition to any study of the moon. They are included at the end of the list if you want to check them out.
There are many, many books about astronauts, stars, planets, and space. However, I tried to choose books that focus specifically on the history of moon exploration and on details of the moon itself.
This list is probably going to be more for children ages 4 - 12, however, there are a few books that older children may enjoy. I have also tried my best to group the books in this list by age. So if you're looking for a specific age group, you should hopefully be able to find it rather easily.
Keep an eye out for our favorite titles, which are marked with an asterisk.
Picture Books | Ages 4-6
by Kevin Henkes
It is Kitten's first full moon, and when she sees it she thinks it is a bowl of milk in the sky. And she wants it. Does she get it?
by Adam Rex
What do you do when the moon lowers itself into your backyard? When mornings are replaced by perpetual night, and people sigh-sleep in their eyes?
by Anica Mrose
Life on Earth isn't always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.
by Britta Teckentrup
Over deserts and forests, Arctic tundra and tropical beaches, the moon shines down on creatures around the world.
by Rachela Cole
A little boy and his Mama as they walk around their neighborhood looking for the moon. As the elusive moon plays peek-a-boo behind buildings and clouds, the little boy asks simple questions about it.
by Gabriel Alborozo
This is the story of a little mouse who lives in a dark and wild wood. He is all alone, except for his friend the moon.
by Jane Yolen
What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut.
by Bo-hyeon Seo
Learn about the real shape of the moon and about the lunar cycle in this cutely illustrated storybook.
by Scott Menchen
Join a badger and a rabbit in this simple tale about the wonder of anticipation that follows the two friends in search of a surprise.
by Carolyn Curtis
When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure with his friend the Moon.
by Cynthia Rylant
Have you ever stopped to consider what might be revealed in one spot over one year by twelve unique and exquisite full moons?
by Gillian Lobel
Little Honey Bear couldn't sleep. Through his bedroom window the moon was shining, as bright as day. And surely she was smiling at him.
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Detailed, luminous watercolor-and-ink paintings capture the magic of nighttime, and its many nocturnal creatures, as well as the special love between a father and son.
by David Kherdian
The moon is full and bright in the sky. So full, and so bright, that Bear can’t sleep! So he steals the moon from the sky and hides it away.
by Sebastian Meschenmoser
When Mr. Squirrel awakens to find that the moon has landed on his tree, he frantically tries to get rid of it before someone suspects him of stealing it and puts him in jail.
by Maggie Pouncey
A boy and his older brother hatch a plan to return to the moon for the fourth time in their homemade rocket. This time, they're going to build something extra-special.
Biographies + Nonfiction | Ages 6-9
by Suzanne Slade
Katherine knew it was wrong that African Americans didn't have the same rights as others--as wrong as 5+5=12.
by Linda McReynolds
Young readers will learn the basics about the gear, equipment, and spaceship used by the astronauts, as well as the history of NASA's moon mission.
by Faith McNulty
Written in the second person, the text allows the reader to participate in every aspect of the journey, from packing ("don't forget your diary and plenty of food")
by Don Brown
As a young boy, Neil Armstrong had a recurring dream in which he held his breath and floated high above the people, houses, and cars.
by Franklin Branley
This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, introduces basic information about the moon.
by Brian Floca
This is our top favorite moon book! Gorgeous illustrations bring the moon landing to life.
by Chris Gall
Go for the Moon! captures the inspiring adventure and fascinating detail of the moon landing.
by Dean Robbins
Journey to the moon on the Apollo 12 mission with Alan Bean, the fourth astronaut to walk on the lunar surface and the only artist to paint its beauty firsthand!
by Suzanne Slade
A gorgeous introduction to the twelve brave men who have left footprints on the moon.
by James Carter
Delightfully simple, this is a great launch pad for kids just getting interested in space and space travel.
by Alexandra Siy
Chronicles the spirit and determination of visionaries whose dream of reaching the Moon was finally and superbly realized through the efforts of the Apollo missions.
by Margot Lee Shetterley
The incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men to space.
by Simon Seymour
An out-of-this-world exploration of the 1969 Moon landing from children’s science expert Seymour Simon!
by Buzz Aldrin
In this pop-up, readers follow astronaut Buzz Aldrin's story as he encounters the "magnificent desolation".
by Judy Young
Marty's family lives on the U.S. island of Guam, where his father manages the NASA tracking station.
by Helaine Becker
The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race.
by Robert Burleigh
Neil Armstrong became the first person in history to set foot on the moon.
by Kristy Dempsey
This father-daughter story celebrates a small community's big contribution to one of America's greatest accomplishments.
Biographies + Nonfiction | Ages 9+
by Roberta Edwards
Over 80 black-and-white illustrations bring Armstrong's story to life.
by John Rocco
There is one questionable illustration: ladies shown in an ad for workout clothing.
by Suzanne Slade
Powerful free verse and stunning illustrations tell the true story of the American effort to land the first man on the Moon.
by Jerome Pohlen
The Apollo Missions for Kids tells the story of this pivotal era in space exploration from the perspective of those who lived it.
by Andrew Chaikin
This book recounts space history from the Mercury missions through Apollo 17 and beyond.
by Catherine Thimmish
This excellent book will walk the reader step by step through man's first landing on the moon.
Resources for Moon Study
by Jerome Pohlen
The Apollo Missions for Kids tells the story of this pivotal era in space exploration from the perspective of those who lived it.
by Andrew Chaikin
This book recounts space history from the Mercury missions through Apollo 17 and beyond.
by Jerome Pohlen
The Apollo Missions for Kids tells the story of this pivotal era in space exploration from the perspective of those who lived it.
by Andrew Chaikin
This book recounts space history from the Mercury missions through Apollo 17 and beyond.