The moon does so much more than shine at night.
Have you ever wondered how the moon was formed or why it changes shape in the sky? The moon's story began 4.5 billion years ago, but it continues to affect everything we do today, from weather to timekeeping. Award-winning science author Robert E. Wells explains how and why the moon matters in our lives—and for the future of space exploration.
August 15, 2022
A nighttime hike offers an opportunity to learn more about the moon. Within the framework of a parent-and-child outing, Wells introduces all kinds of moon-related information: its gravity pulls Earth's tides; it's been visited by both crewed and uncrewed missions; a collision between an asteroid and the Earth is thought to have formed the moon. Wells, the author of numerous science-related titles for primary-grade readers, also discusses the reasons why seasons occur, Earth's metal core and magnetic shield, and tectonic plates as statements of scientific fact. Corrigan's cheery, animation-style illustrations show a happy, brown-skinned parent and child walking with their dog through the woods to their destination, a beach bonfire where they roast marshmallows. Along the way, there are illustrations of the Earth and moon orbiting the sun, changing moon phases, the asteroid collision, and the tectonic plates of Earth's crust. In some images, the child reappears, watching Galileo looking at the moon; appropriately suited, the child is seen exploring the moon, too. The science gets a little lost at times: The crescent moon is shown both waxing and waning in the course of the evening walk, and the frozen water molecules found on the moon are signified by a snowflake. While the pictures will appeal to younger children, the vocabulary is challenging; this might work best as a read-aloud by a scientifically literate caregiver. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A solid introduction to some complicated science. (glossary, selected sources) (Informational picture book. 5-9)
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