These picture books about the moon are some of my favorites for children. This book list contains both fiction and nonfiction and is a perfect addition to any lesson on astronomy for kids!

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* This post was originally published on February 9, 2015 and has since been updated.

The kids and I have been learning all about the moon over the last few weeks (check out our free moon observation journal sheet), so I decided to put together a collection of moon-themed books for them to explore. This particular book set includes both fiction and nonfiction. Not only can kids learn actual facts about the moon, but the fiction books help kids use those facts to stretch their imaginations!

I love putting together book sets related to a particular theme and setting them apart from our other books, so the kids can easily read them whenever the mood strikes. Lucy and Theo have been coming back to this book collection often over the past few weeks to reread their favorites!

I’ve provided an age range for each book to give you a general idea which kids the books are geared towards , but I’m a firm believer in listening to your child. You might be surprised which books your child relates to- even if they are not in the suggested age range! (This post contains affiliate links.)

Children’s Books about the Moon

One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh

This is a great book for introducing the first moon landing. It’s full of facts and information and almost reads like a book of poems. It uses a nice amount of descriptive words and contains beautiful illustrations! (ages 6 and up)

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca

This is a nonfiction picture book about the mission of Apollo 11 to and from the moon. I love how it describes not just the flight, but what goes on in Mission Control and how the launch looks from the perspective of the bystanders. The book describes what it was like to be in space in language perfect for younger children. (Even I enjoyed it!) Readers will not only get to imagine what it was like for the astronauts, but also get a glimpse into what it was like for those on Earth anxiously watching on television. (ages 5 and up)

If you Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty

This story is a fun way for kids to learn all kinds of facts about traveling to the moon and back while imagining they are going to go there themselves. Children learn what’s necessary for travel and what it’s like once they are in space. (ages 5 and up)

The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is one of our favorite nonfiction authors. Readers will learn all kinds of facts about the moon including why the moon appears to be shining and the different phases of the moon. (ages 5 and up)

A Child’s Introduction to The Night Sky by Michael Driscoll

This book isn’t just about the moon, but I had to include it because it really is one you will want to own. This is a great introduction to astronomy for any child interested in the night sky and is absolutely gorgeous!  Children will learn about the stars, the sun, the planets, the moon, black holes, the history of the night sky and more! The book also comes with star finder! (ages 8 and up)

Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

This adorable fiction book is about a cat who thinks the full moon is a yummy bowl of milk! He tries and tries to get the milk, but can never seem to reach it. The kids loved that it had a happy ending! (ages 3-5)

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers

We are huge fans of Oliver Jeffers, and this fiction book is one of our favorites! In this story a boy flies to the moon and gets stuck there. He meets a friend who also gets stranded on the moon. They quickly become friends and work on a way to help each other get back home. (ages 3 and up)

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant

In this book the main character, a mother holding her baby, describes how long ago Native Americans gave names to all the full moons. Each month’s full moon is described beautifully and contains gorgeous illustrations. (ages 3 and up)
 


 

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