by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Holt, 2019.

 

From the flyleaves forward, you get the idea. Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is going to be learning fun. The third in the Our Universe series that began with Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, followed by Sun! One in A Billion, this book continues the theme of introducing space in an intriguing, entertaining—and accessible—way to preschoolers and primary graders.

Young readers get to meet Moon, Earth’s best friend, and they’ll laugh as they learn why the two enjoy this happy relationship (science stuff). McAnulty credits Moon as the author and illustrator—with a little help from her and Stevie Lewis. The lightheartedness continues throughout the book as McAnulty explains rudimentary facts in such a way that a preschooler can grasp the concept. Learning F-U-N.Heck, McAnulty even credits Moon as the author and illustrator–with help from her and Stevie Lewis–of this simple introduction to Earth’s natural satellite.

Learning F-U-N. 

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“When you believe that all things are possible and you are willing to work hard to accomplish your goals, you can achieve the next ‘impossible’ dream.”—Buzz Aldrin

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Why this Book? Why will it matter to kids?

Ideal as an introduction to Earth’s natural satellite, Moon! Earth’s Best Friend begins with a simple explanation of how space rock “crash trash” resulted in the creation of Moon. The next several pages are filled with facts peppered with a bit of silliness: “My face always smiles at Earth. (You NEVER see my backside.)” Young listeners/readers are introduced to the phases of the moon, eclipses, ocean tides, and gravity.  “BFFs help each other out. I keep Earth from being too wobbly. This might be the most important thing I do, and you probably didn’t even know about it!” The book ends with a gentle reminder: best friends stick together. “I’m always here for Earth. I’m always here for you. Where Earth goes, I go. And where Earth goes, you go! Guess that makes us best friends, too.” As McAnulty sums up in the more extensive back matter, “Moon is loyal…moon is helpful…she’s fun…Moon and Earth have history…So the next time you see your BFF, say, “You’re as marvelous as the Moon!” Here’s a simple, satisfying introduction to space concepts with a nod to social-emotional learning wrapped up in F-U-N.

 

 

© Stevie Lewis

 

Grade level: Pre-K—2

Social-Emotional Learning Themes

Friendship, interpersonal relationships, kindness, loyalty, trustworthiness, dependability, responsibility, concern, helpfulness, perspective, fortitude, perseverance, self-reliance, respect, humor

Content Area Connections

Science, space, moon, gravity, ocean tides, satellites, moon phases, eclipses

 

Using This Book in the Classroom

Hit the Ground Running

Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents

A website dedicated to the books in the Our Universe series features a variety of activities including activity kits, a teachers’ guide, and a poster.

 

Write Away!

Ideas to prompt writing

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend opens with a page on which children who own the book can write their name as Astronaut _______. Point this out in preparation for the the read-aloud of the book. Ask children to write about whether they would like to be an astronaut. Why?

Ask students to write about the qualities they possess that would make them a good astronaut. Be specific; give examples of behavior or actions that demonstrate the qualities. 

Explore with young listeners why McAnulty describes Moon as Earth’s Best Friend. What qualities does Moon possess that makes it a good friend? How might Earth be a good friend to Moon? Consider posing this question prior to a read-aloud of the book: “Let’s read to find out…” Follow up with discussion and writing activity.

In discussion of Moon! Earth’s Best Friend following a read-aloud, ask students to list science facts they learned from the book. Note these on the whiteboard or chart paper. Encourage children to list facts in complete sentences. Speak the words in the sentence as you write them. Following discussion, ask students to choose one fact they learned from the book and explain why they consider it interesting or important. 

 

© Stevie Lewis

Look here to find a sample of Stacy’s writing from when she was in fourth grade.

 

Poetry Break
Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into brief moments in the day—from opening or closing the daily morning meeting to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to transitioning from one subject to the next. Reading a poem typically takes less than a minute, yet it can introduce or reinforce a concept, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding, increase attention span, summon a giggle, or initiate reflection. And poetry soothes the spirit.

Poetry collections suggested for use with Moon! Earth’s Best Friend and the other books in the Our Universe series:

• Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian
• Earth Verse: Haiku from the Ground Up by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by William Grill
• Science Verse by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
• Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Virginia Halstead
• when I heard the learn’d astronomer by Walt Whitman, illustrated by Loren Long

And Then There’s This…

Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study

Recently published picture books about the moon, its exploration, and space in general, abound in large part because of the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. A selection of noteworthy titles includes:

• Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez
• Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Marcus Motum (Teacher’s guide available.)
• Field Trip to the Moon by John Hare
• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman
• If Pluto Was a Pea written by Gabrielle Prendergast, illustrated by Rebecca Gerlings
• If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon by Joyce Lapin, illustrated by Simona Ceccarelli
• Mae Among the Stars written by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
• Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Moon Landing by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Lucy Knisley
• Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
• One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer

See the Horn Book Guide for additional recommended titles.

The Global Space Education Foundation has created a library of videos entitled Story Time From Space, in which astronauts on the Space Station read stories while in space for children on Earth. One example is Ada Twist, Scientist. See also Science Time videos, in which the astronauts conduct experiments to complement the stories read in Story Time. Also available is curriculum from Grades K-8.

 

About the Author

 

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, and dreams of someday being a dog therapist, a correspondent for The Daily Show, an astronaut, and a Green Bay Packer coach. She has written dozens of books including her debut middle-grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, an Indie Bestseller, and the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor book Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Moon! Earth’s Best Friend and Sun! One in a Billion illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert and Soccer Expert illustrated by Deborah Hocking; Love, Brave, and Beautiful, all  illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath illustrated by Joy Ang. She also authored two chapter book series: The Dino Files and Goldie Blox. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 husband.

 

Q&A with Stacy McAnulty

Stacy graciously responded to a few questions about Moon! Earth’s Best Friend and her creative process.

Judy Bradbury: How did you come to write this book? What seeded its creation?

Stacy McAnulty: Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is part of my Our Universe series. I didn’t start out writing nonfiction with a series in mind. The initial book was Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, and that was well received by readers and educators. The publisher suggested we do similar books and asked me for ideas. I offered Sun and Moon. Both are now in print!

JB: Tell about one hurdle you experienced in the creation of Moon! Earth’s Best Friend or provide a memorable (or humorous!) anecdote related to the making of this book.

SM: I learned about synchronous rotation:  Moon rotates on her axis and revolves around Earth at the same rate, approximately 27.3 days. That means we see the same face of Moon. I talk about this in the book, but I never use the term “synchronous rotation.” Instead, I tell the readers that we don’t see Moon’s backside. And when I talk to kids, I say, “We never see Moon’s butt.” That always gets a laugh.

JB: Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is the third book in a series focusing on our solar system. Though the books are informational, in each you and the illustrator Stevie Lewis manage to give the subject a personality. What qualities or character attributes have you given Moon, and why?  

SM: Moon is slightly younger than Earth, so I think of her as a little sister—even though I call her a best friend and call the other planets siblings. Moon admires Earth and also gets a little jealous sometimes. Moon is eager and wants to be included in Earth’s life.  As a mom of three (and as an older sister), I’ve been witness to this dynamic. I’m sure many kids can relate.

JB: What did you learn from creating this book?

SM: Oh so much! From how Moon was created, to how many visitors she’s had, to her important role in our daily lives (more than tides), to the list of items astronauts have left behind with her. Researching a new topic is always my favorite part.

JB: What would surprise readers to learn about you or about the creation of this book?

SM: I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. And I really wanted to go to Space Camp, but it was too expensive and too far away. Okay, maybe that’s not very surprising.

JB: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

SM: I call the Our Universe series of books “gateway books.” I give just enough facts to intrigue young minds. Then I encourage these readers to go to the library and ask for more books on the topic. Hopefully, my books encourage learning.

JB: What is one question you wish I had asked, and what is your answer?

SM: What’s next?

In Spring 2020, David Litchfield and I have a new book called Ocean, Wave for All. And Stevie Lewis and I are working on a book about Mars. I’m excited to explore more with readers.

 

Illustrator Stevie Lewis has been living in a van she mostly built herself for the past few years, furthering her passion for art and the outdoors. Striving to live simply and tread lightly on the earth, she gathers inspiration from a variety of places. Stevie enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in her spare time.  After working for several years at DreamWorks Animation Studios, she now illustrates children’s books and creates art based on her travels.

Book Giveaway!

Subscribers who leave a comment will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of Moon! Earth’s Best Friend. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced when the next guide is posted.

And…the winner of a copy of New Kid! by Jerry Craft is Danielle Hammelef. Congratulations! Please be in touch with your address so I can send the book off to you!