It’s been hard to miss this summer’s eye-popping procession of supermoons, when new or full moons coincide with the moon’s closest position to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear remarkably large and lustrous. Share these tantalizing titles with young moon-gazers to satiate curiosity about Earth’s only satellite, stir imaginations, and inspire moonlit read-alouds.
Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer. by Tonya Bolden. illus. by Eric Velasquez. Abrams. Nov. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781419707926.
PreS-Gr 2–Waking up and realizing that he forgot to say his prayers, a young boy throws off his covers and kneels by his beside, marveling at the splendor of the amber moon. The lyrical text conveys a mindset both selfless and sincere, as he prays for the homeless and the needy, for wars to end, for the sick to be healed, and for his family. Luminous mixed-media paintings depict scenes across the city, as the same moon shines upon diverse individuals experiencing difficult times, emphasizing that the need for thoughtfulness and kindness is universal. Quiet, affecting, and uplifting.
Cindy Moo. by Lori Mortensen. illus. by Jeff Mack. HarperCollins. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN
9780062043931.
PreS-Gr 1–Inspired by the traditional nursery rhyme, a bovine resident of Diddle farm is determined to prove that cows really can jump over the moon. Though the rest of the herd is doubtful, Cindy Moo refuses to be cowed, and despite setbacks including crash-landings and rainstorms, ultimately finds a way to achieve her lofty goal. Jaunty rhymes and exuberantly goofy illustrations add up to a fun-filled romp.
Come Back, Moon. by David Kherdian. illus. by Nonny Hogrogian. S. & S./Beach Lane. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781442458871; ebook $10.99. ISBN 9781442458888.
PreS-Gr 2–The moon’s gleaming light is keeping Bear awake, so he snatches it and stows it away in his pillowcase. Flummoxed by its sudden disappearance, several forest animals launch a search. When the orb’s whereabouts are discovered, Fox comes up with a clever plan that results in happy endings all around—Bear sleeping soundly and the other critters celebrating beneath the light of the newly restored moon. Succinct and rhythmical storytelling, whimsical watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, and a satisfying putting-things-right plot give this enchanting offering the timeless resonance of a favorite folktale.
I Took the Moon for a Walk. by Carolyn Curtis. illus. by Alison Jay. Barefoot Bks. 2004. pap. $7.99. 
ISBN 9781841488035; BD $14.99. 9781846862007.
PreS-Gr 2–Curtis’s entrancing rhymes and Jay’s distinctive crackle-varnished folk-art paintings depict a boy’s dreamlike jaunt with an effulgent and amiable companion. Musical verses describe how the two traverse the countryside: “We tiptoed through grass where the nightcrawlers creep/when the rust-bellied robins have all gone to sleep,/And the Moon called the dew so the grass seemed to weep.” This quiet charmer ends with the child tucked beneath a star-strewn blanket, lulled to sleep by his friend’s “sweet sleepy light.” Also available in a Spanish language edition.
If You Decide to Go to the Moon. by Faith McNulty. illus. by Steven Kellogg. Scholastic. 2005. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780590483599.
K-Gr 3–Would-be astronauts are invited accompany a young boy on an exciting picture book excursion. Gear is stowed, burners are lit, and Earth is soon left far behind as the traveler settles in for the lonely 240,000-mile voyage. After touchdown, a moonwalk emphasizes the surface’s extreme conditions, unfamiliar terrain, and absolute stillness. Earth is kept firmly in the porthole throughout the return trip, and a four-page foldout depicts the verdant wonders of our home planet, making a vibrant contrast with the austere moonscapes. Descriptively written and gorgeously illustrated, this armchair guide blends facts with vivid you-are-there impressions and a resounding message about valuing Earth’s unique resources.
Kitten’s First Full Moon. by Kevin Henkes. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2004. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780060588281.
PreS-Gr 1–When Kitten mistakes the shining sphere in the sky for a bowl of milk, she is determined to have it, but her valiant efforts to taste, climb to, and capture the moon only leave her tired, wet, and hungry. “Poor Kitten!” Fortunately, a more accessible treat awaits her on the porch. Henkes’s rhythmic text, dynamic dusky-hued illustrations, and endearingly emotive feline protagonist sparkle with humor and charisma.
Max and the Tag-Along Moon. by Floyd Cooper. illus. by author. Philomel. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 
9780399233425; ebook $10.99. ISBN 9780698152885.
PreS-K–As they hug goodbye beneath a glowing yellow orb, Granpa assures Max, “That ol’ moon will always shine for you…on and on!” And in fact, the moon seems to follow the boy throughout his “swervy-curvy” car ride home, remaining a constant and comforting companion. Max experiences a moment of doubt about Granpa’s promise when clouds darken the night sky, but the boy’s uncertainty and loneliness are allayed when “that magic ball of light” gloriously re-emerges. Poetic text, lovely soft-edged paintings, and a childlike perspective create a heartfelt tale about finding solace in nature and the steadfastness of love.
The Moon Book. by Gail Gibbons. illus. by author. Holiday House. 1997. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780823412976; pap. $7.99. ISBN 9780323413645.
K-Gr 4–Vivacious illustrations and crystalline text introduce Earth’s only satellite, briefly touching upon its size and formation, orbit and phases, eclipses, tidal effects, exploration, and moon-related stories and legends. Concepts are presented through the author’s trademark combination of clear diagrams and child-friendly explanations. An inviting and accessible resource for independent reading or sharing aloud.
Moonlight. by Helen V. Griffith. illus. by Laura Dronzek. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062032850.
PreS-Gr 1–Too heavy-eyed to wait for the moon to appear, Rabbit hops into his cozy burrow and falls asleep. Suddenly, the clouds blow away, the shimmering sphere is set free, and “Moonlight slides like butter” to gently coat mountainside, trees, and streams. It finally seeps into Rabbit’s hideaway—and his dreams—“spatter[ing] him with moondrops” and rousing him to dance in a field of flowers, “butter on his head.” Paintings as lush as the poem’s imagery depict a stunning van Gogh-esque sphere and the abundant flowers and fauna touched by its magical light.
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. by Brian Floca. illus. by author. S. & S./Atheneum/Richard Jackson
Bks. 2009. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781416950462; ebook $13.99. ISBN 9781481409858.
Gr 2-5–Floca’s superb picture book chronicles this groundbreaking mission from fiery liftoff to triumphant splashdown. Info about the brave astronauts, the workings of the spacecraft, shipboard life (“where everything floats—everything—”), and the Moon landing are conveyed through lyrical language and detailed watercolor illustrations, as is the impact of this astounding achievement on the citizens of Earth who watched with bated breath. A striking and elucidating look at a defining moment in history.
Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. by Catherine Thimmesh. Houghton Mifflin. 2006. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780618507573; ebook $19.95. ISBN 9780547349695.
Gr 4-9–Thimmesh tells the behind-the-scenes story of putting the first man on the moon from point of view of the numerous individuals who all had important roles to play. She includes the team of 7,500 Grumman workers who designed and built the lunar module (christened Eagle); the 17,000 engineers, technicians, managers involved with launch operations at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center; and the 500 employees at NASA and ILC Dover who designed, produced, and tested the Apollo space suits. Arranged chronologically, the enthusiastically written text incorporates and array of primary quotes, fascinating facts, and suspenseful moments all set against a backdrop of spectacular archival photos.
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. by Grace Lin. illus. by author. Knopf. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780375861017.
PreS-Gr 3–A young Chinese-American girl describes how her family commemorates this traditional holiday with a nighttime picnic that includes sharing tea and sweet mooncakes, parading with colorful lanterns, and thanking the moon for bringing all of them together. Featuring straightforward text and color-saturated gouache artwork, this book immerses readers in the warmth of family affection—as fulsome and filled with peace and harmony as the moon itself. An endnote provides more details about this thanksgiving holiday, which falls this year on September 8th.