Life on the Moon

by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr (Illustrator)

The extraordinary tale of a curious boy sent to live on the Moon, the wondrous discoveries he makes, and the courage it takes to speak a truth no one wants to believe.

The first rule of life on the moon is: There is no life on the Moon.
The second rule is: Don't ask questions.

12-year-old Leo gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the very first Moon colony. He’s excited to be part of the top-secret mission, but things quickly go off the rails. Right after his family lands on the Moon, Leo’s dad is called off on an urgent mission from which he never returns. The authorities claim the mission never existed, and Leo’s dad is accused of desertion.

Leo goes looking for his dad and discovers far more than he bargained for. Everyone in the colony insists there’s NO life on the Moon. But Leo’s explorations reveal a landscape brimming with extraordinary creatures—with baffling behaviors and beliefs.

Leo’s big question is: why keep Moon life a secret? Who stands to gain? And how can he find a way to save his new Moon friends before the lie becomes a reality?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space

320 pages, Library Binding

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Matthew Swanson (and his wife Robbi Behr) are author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed Cookie Chronicles series, The Real McCoys trilogy, and the picture books Sunrise Summer, Babies Ruin Everything, and Everywhere, Wonder. When not advocating for local schools, giving talks on creative entrepreneurship, or running a summer salmon fishing operation on the Alaskan tundra, we live in an old barn on the Eastern Shore of Maryland—making books and raising our four kids.

Matthew and Robbi will spend the 2022-2023 school year crisscrossing the United States in a school bus/tiny home with our four kids, visiting underserved elementary schools in all 50 states (plus DC), and giving away 25,000 free hardcover books to students and teachers from low-income communities. To learn more about the Busload of Books tour, go to: www.busloadofbooks.com.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine the classic Norton Juster book "The Phantom Tollbooth" taking place on the moon with commentary on the connectedness of humanity, instead of a focus on parts of grammar. That'll get you pretty close to where this book lands. If you haven't read "The Phantom Tollbooth" you probably should so that this review makes sense to you, but a better option would probably be to just read this book instead, because then my review wouldn't even matter and you'd be able to have your own opinion about how awesome it is!!!!

It is important to note that this not a paid review for this book, but should the author and illustrator care to compensate me I would gladly give it more than my current 5-Star rating if Goodreads would allow.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute middle grade scifi story that sees Leo living with his dad on colony on the moon only to be left when his dad goes out. What follows is Leo’s adventures searching for his dad where he finds a whole lot more than he bargained for, including some alien friends. This one sadly didn’t resonate deeply for me but it was a lighthearted pretty entertaining time that explored some morally ethical choices and kind of leaves readers hanging. Interested to see if there’s a sequel coming.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing! I feel like a better human being just for reading this little treasure.

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my 11-year-old one or two chapters per day at a time. The excellent news is that the closer we got to the end of the book, the more disappointed she was whenever we reached the end of the amount we were reading for the day. She would have liked to keep going, clearly. But my voice won't hold up for more than three chapters at a time, max. So, the target audience was very entertained.

What about me? A great kid's book entertains the adult reading as well as the child, I think. My experience was mostly positive. It began with a little frustration in the beginning as this is one of the middle grade books where the adults make up stupid and silly rules and can't be relied on and just generally act stupidly. I find it easy to be frustrated with that portrayal of adults. It's a very common device to make kids feel like the heroes of the story, but it sure is hard for me. However, after the beginning that adults behaving badly portion of the story tapered off sharply and the real entertainment began. From 10-15% in the book became very entertaining for me to read. Also, the deeper I got into the story, the more morals there were. There's a strong environmental message. There's a strong message of personal purpose and understanding the emotions of people around you. I can't get more specific than that without ruining the plot, so suffice it to say that I recommend this book. Just push past the silly adult stage and enjoy the rest.

One last word about the illustrations: spectacular and copious. There is a sticker on each page that says the art in this version is not final and that it will be improved before the final book comes out. That means it is likely going to be much better, and I thought it was already quite good. So we're in for a treat.

Thanks to the publisher for the free ARC. My daughter and I enjoyed it.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly illustrated sci-fi novel featuring a 12 year boy and the establishment of a colony on the moon geared to readers in grades 4-6.

Leo Brightstar has just landed in drone habitat on the moon with his father and Sally, his dad’s girlfriend and a fellow scientist. The two adults are immediately whisked off to find two missing rovers leaving Leo to hear about some very odd colony rules from the dome’s AI. Rule 1: There is no life on the Moon, 2. Don’t ask questions, and 3. There are no technical difficulties. But #2 is extremely hard to follow when you are twelve and you’ve just discovered that #s 1 and 3 are absolute lies and both the adults in your life are now missing and being sought by the extremely cranky and deceitful Constable who is in charge of everything and everyone.

The creativity in Swanson and Behr’s Moon creatures is wonderful in actions created by author Matthew Swanson and sketched by Robbi Behr: the Valrootens (small, blue sausage-shaped beings with two long armlike tentacles called wibbles and two shorter, wavy duggins on the top of their heads), the Hortle (one gigantic, scary mouth on top of 3 stumpy legs), Scagwins (large, green, 6 eyed insect like beings with a long tail ending in a barb) and a Woggler (cross between a raccoon and a rhinoceros who likes to “borrow” things that other beings view as important to them). Leo’s story does tend to get a little complicated at times given all the confusion over who the good guys and bad guys are and what exactly the mission is of not only Colony X but of Leo himself, but with all the chase scenes between imaginative characters, humorous conversations with the artificial intelligences running the rovers and domes, and concern over whether the Hortle will successfully eat Leo’s new best Valrooten friend and all the humans on the Moon, not just bully Bobby, Sally, and Leo’s Dad, a little confusion will just be ignored. Teachers and adult caregivers will thrill to all the lofty themes of personal responsibility, the inevitability of change, an ecosystem’s interdependence and the importance of each and every element, and true friendship but kids will focus on the terrific sketches that cover nearly every page and the actions of the book’s intrepid hero.

Recommended for those in grades 4-6 and in libraries with high circulation in science fiction that leans towards the absurd.

*Profanity: none
*Violence: Yup. The Hortle does eat a Valrooten every day but that’s all part of the plan and everyone ends up being OK with the established Moon food chain plus all the humans it eats don’t end up being dead and are, instead, safely ensconced in a safe, padded capsule and come out the better for the experience.
*Representation: Leo and his family are White as is Bobby and his while the Moon base’s 2nd in command is a Black woman
*LBGTQ+: none

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of this release alongside the 2026 Artemis II mission feels like more than coincidence. Mission Specialist Christina Koch's message — "Planet Earth, you are a crew" — could have been lifted straight from the pages of this book.

Life on the Moon follows Leo Brightstar and his family on their mission to the Moon, where Leo discovers that the native species have been operating as a finely balanced crew long before humans arrived — and that human intervention threatens to upend everything. There are fewer laugh-out-loud moments here than in Swanson and Behr's other work, but many more "contemplate the world" moments, and more than a few "what am I even doing with my life" ones. I'm still thinking about it.

Leo's growth is the quiet heart of the book — particularly his evolving relationship with Mitchell, and what it teaches him about listening to someone else's story before forming your own conclusions. Acts of questioning, trust, bravery, and love, delivered with warmth and without a hint of preachiness.

Our family loves everything from this author-illustrator duo. The illustrations delight our graphic novel reader, the kooky characters win over our book-devouring tween, and the humor and warmheartedness get the parents every time. This book has all of that, plus a depth that earns a place on the shelf for readers of every age.

If you haven't come across Robbi and Matthew before, their mission extends well beyond the page — they travel the country bringing author visits to Title 1 schools through their Busload of Books program. I think what they've learned from listening to kids across America is quietly woven into this story too.

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you RHCBInfluencers at Random House Kids @randomhousekids #RandomHouseKidsPartner Matthew Swanson @writingmatthew and Robbi Behr @drawingrobbi for this free book!
“Life on the Moon” by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr Illustrator⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade SciFi. Location: The Moon

Leo (12) gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move to a secret moon colony. He’s excited to be part of the top-secret mission, but right after his family lands on the Moon, Leo’s dad is sent on an urgent mission-and he never returns. The authorities claim the mission never existed, and Leo’s dad is accused of desertion. Leo discovers the Moon’s 1st rule ("There is no life on the moon") is a lie as he searches for his dad, and finds fantastic creatures. As Swanson’s curious main character questions why Moon life is secret, and who stands to gain, he finds the courage to speak a truth no one wants to believe.

Author Swanson’s book uses an extraordinary location and creatures to explore real-world themes about life on earth. He shines a light on courage, secrets, and truth through a SciFi tale. Illustrator Behr peppers the pages with charming drawings. It’s witty and wise, weirdly inventive, definitely moving, so it’s 5 stars from me 📚👩🏼‍🦳 #LifeOnTheMoon #matthewswanson #robbibehr #randomhousekids

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! This book has moments of hold onto your seat twists and turns and also has moments of reflection and quiet. Just as in life, the yin and yang of it all lives in this book. I think any middle schooler 4th grade and up would find something to love and cheer for while reading it.

[Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-felt middle-grade sci-fi book with a strong dash of absurdity (think Phantom Tollbooth).

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Leo Brightstar is going to live on the moon in the first colony with his father, a scientist, who has recently separated from Leo's mother, who will remain on earth to work in a zoo. Before he even gets settled, his father gets a message that there is a rover on the wrong side of the moon, and he has to investigate. Leo is left in their "dome", where an advanced smart speaker takes care of him. The dome gives him the rules: number one is that there is no life on the moon, and number two is not to ask questions! This is very difficult, and the dome does answer some, since Leo has many! There is a Constable, who is evil, and a Deputy, who visits Leo and tells him not to admit that his father is missing. The Deputy takes Leo to school, where Leo is reminded by his teacher Ms. Dulcet that children should not ask questions. Leo meets Bobby, and witnesses a large green bug, which is cleaned up by a space Roomba. Eventually, he steals a rover to go search for his father, and gets drawn into an odd world with space creatures. Bobby follows him out, which is great when Leo crashes the rover, but Bobby is eaten by a Hortle! Leo meets friendlier creatures, the Valrooten, the leader of which he names Mitchell. When Mitchell is eaten by a Hortle on his 100th birthday, Leo is sad, but the Valrooten all share a common hive mind, so he consoles himself by talking to Mitchell 2. Eventually, Leo locates Bobby, his father, and his father's friend Sally in a Hortle hairball, but decides that the colony government should not be trying to hide or kill the native species and vows to fight for them, and sends Bobby back to earth with a message.
Strengths: I love the illustrations, and the way that the text is woven around them. The idea of living on the moon is always intriguing, and this has some more space adventure, rather like Bradford's Lunar, Landers' Blastaway or Swiedler's In the Red. The space creatures are a little goofy, but the message about saving indigenous creatures is a timely one. Bonus points for having Leo's parents separated instead of dead.
Weaknesses: Like Swanson and Behr's Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny, this book got a bit goofy. Even though Leo is supposedly 12, he seems much younger, and even with the illustrations, 320 pages is a long book for elementary students. I also found the ending confusing.
What I really think: This is a good choice for reader who liked Lubar's Emperor of the Universe series, Barnett's The Two-Headed Chicken, or Angleberger's The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza.

[Leah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpectedly deep book. So many messages here that can really be thought through. I saw another reviewer likening it to The Phantom Tollbooth, and I agree wholeheartedly. A wild, zany, constantly surprising adventure, filled with humor and wit, and coming home with important, eloquent, timely messages for middle-grade (or, honestly, any) readers to chew on.

I read The Phantom Tollbooth with my students each year, and they hate it. For some reason, it’s too opaque for a lot of them. They find it hard to let go and just let the message carry them without worrying too much about the plot holes and unexplained events. Life on the Moon, in comparison, seems to accomplish similar goals while not being bogged down by the same problems. Namely, the nonsensical nature of this book is understandable because of the setting, and then the plot issues (what happened to Leo’s parents’ marriage? What’s wrong with his mom? Zebras? Why did Leo’s dad and Sally decide to move to the Moon? What happened between Leo and his friend, Mitchell? Why the somewhat cliffhanger ending??) aren’t as important. As readers, though we might want to know the answers out of sheer curiosity, we’re asking the wrong questions, to paraphrase the book. The purpose is the message, and the message is clear.

That’s what’s so rewarding about this book—it has a strong heart, beating through every page, but at the same time, never taking itself too seriously. Highly recommended.

(As a teacher, though, I will note—the open ending will be extremely frustrating for my students. I read The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant with them this year and they could. not. deal with the open ending. I had to explain, again and again, that when the author’s point has been made, they don’t need to continue the story for the sake of the plot, but middle schoolers do not have a ton of patience for these kinds of things. 😂)

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the arc!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to review this without being transparent with you: I'm already a HUGE fan of Matthew and Robbi's books. I'm not coming into Life on the Moon blindly; it was a preorder, because I will preorder any book they ever create. Their mission as a duo is incredible; their highly-and-incredibly-illustrated and greatly-hilarious books are marvelous. I strongly felt those things before this book even arrived on my doorstep.

So now that you know the background of my Swanson-Behr feelings, I can share my thoughts of this particular book.

--> The story is charming and quirky and full of both adventure and heart.
--> When you peek under the book jacket, you won't be able to stop smiling.
--> The illustrations move the story along, and give SO much context, humor, and delight to each page.
--> Following the story is a double-page spread called "But enough about us, how about you?" on which insightful, thought-provoking questions are asked and I LOVE THESE PAGES AND QUESTIONS SO MUCH.

--> And especially: after the story ends, Matthew and Robbi write a note to the reader. It's so honest and well-written that it feels like they're actually reading that note to you. And if their words don't give you goosebumps as you read them, I'd be absolutely shocked.

"We're pioneers in search of a mission.
We're aliens looking for common language.
We're variables trying to ignite a better story."

Don't skip this gem, but also - and most importantly - please share it with middle grade readers everywhere, because they all need this book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapter book for ages 8-12 is certainly a timely read for the young readers. It is for publication on April 14th, 2026. We recently witnessed the return to the moon with NASA'S hard work and this chapter book will be an eager read for the young readers.

Leo Brightstar is twelve years old and has an opportunity to join the first moon colony. Right after Leo's family lands on the moon, his dad goes missing when he embarks on a mission. He does not return from his mission. Leo goes in search of his dad who has been accused of deserting his mission on the moon. This chapter book will be a page-turner for young readers who recently experienced the real-life mission of the four astronauts.
Leo sets out to answer the question of life on the moon. He discovers an extraordinary landscape.
This chapter book might not be far from real life in the times that we are living in now.

The illustrations are in black and white throughout the chapters. Life On The Moon is a partnership project from a husband-wife team.

Life On The Moon is published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin/Random House and has an ISBN of 978-0-593-70472-1.

[Anna Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending still has me processing some stuff... But in all seriousness, this is such a cute story full of mystery, curiosity and friendship at a level I did not expect from a middle grade book. We follow Leo, who is trying to find his dad shortly after moving to the moon, and he quickly realizes that the Moon colony is not what he expected.

There are rules, and it seems like there are a lot, and honestly who can follow them? Leo soon finds out that the "no questions" rule is impossible to follow, especially when you are new and need to find out how things work.

Leo's interactions and friendship with the Valrootens is full of wonder and trust, and these curious creatures have some deep layers of meaning to what they do.

I definitely recommend pre-teens to check out Life on the Moon! If they love adventure, space, creatures and maybe some rebellion, this is perfect for them!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of The Wild Robot and similar sci-fi stories. We follow Leo as he and his dad move to a colony on the moon, where also must learn how to survive in a world that makes him question everything- but where questions aren’t allowed. This is a great story filled with themes and discoveries that are relatable to readers of all ages - from figuring out who to trust to finding the wonder lurking beneath the surface and that things aren’t always as they first appear. And the illustrations (which are marked as not final in my ARC copy) seem like a cartoon-inspired, line drawing style that will attract even those readers who tend to prefer graphic novels. I will definitely be recommending this for our school libraries.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life on the Moon is so much fun...action-packed with a little bit of mystery, laugh-out-loud funny, full of heart and compassion, and just plain awesome! I love everything about it. I didn’t want to put it down because I kept wanting to know what was happening next, and it’s hard to believe that everything happened in only 2 days. Also, I love the beautiful messages about friendship, community, being open to learning how others see things with different perspectives and experiences, and finding your true purpose, not to mention envisioning moon melons that taste like starlight soaked in joy…sounds delightful! Thank you, Matthew and Robbi, for another spectacular book…I hope there’s a sequel!

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo Brightstar joins his dad in space as he joins a group set to colonize the moon for the first time. When he gets suspicious about his dad’s whereabouts, Leo takes off on an adventure that will change everything. Filled with illustrations, this book hits all the right notes.There is adventure, there is a deep look at humanity through the eyes of a child, there is fun and there is heartbreak. So easy to consume I did it in a day with both my eyes and ears. Nick Trengove brought the perfect mix of youth and emotion to his role as narrator.

Thank you to PRHAudio and Random House Kids for the gifted copies.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook on Spotify which reading along with the illustrated digital ebook in Libby after hearing it was this timely Parnassus Spark Book club pick. I really enjoyed Ben Yokoyama as a bridge into substantive middle grade novels from illustrated early chapter books and graphic novels. The lunar world building and bigger messages in this book are fantastic- really tugging on my heartstrings toward the end as 12-year old Leo makes some big decisions. This book is so much more than Moon colonization and extraterrestrial life, it’s about connection and humanity and doing the right thing even at a cost.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metaphorical, allegorical, rich with meaning! AND fun for kids. Will be re-read again & again.

Once you buy this book, go and buy all the others from Matthew & Robbi! Our family loves all the Cookie Chronicles books AND the Real McCoys (which are sometimes hard to get your hands on). They're all great. Buy everything a dozen times so this couple keeps writing more books & can keep up the awesome work of their Busload of Books https://busloadofbooks.com/

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It made me laugh out loud, but also had some really beautiful moments, making me think about questions and missions and love.

I thought that the illustrations and text went together really well.

This is a good one for a wide range of kids (and adults). Want a funny illustrated book? Check! Want a book that might make you cry? Check! Want a book that makes you think? Double check!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works in the publishing industry, I generally don't write reviews. But LIFE ON THE MOON is so irresistibly good I can't help it. It's not only one of my favorite books I've played a role in publishing, but one of the best middle grade novels I've read. Thought-provoking, funny, heartfelt, and strange in the best way. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed.

[Andrew Hacket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life on the Moon took me on a ride I wasn't expecting. This fast-paced moon adventure offers humor and peril along with Valrootens and Hortles. But it also brought me deep reflection about humans, how we do things, and if quite possibly, there isn't a better way to be. I was moved and inspired by this book and will be recommending it to everyone I know.

[Sara Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first blush, this illustrated middle grade novel looks like a standard sci-fi book for kids - aliens, rovers, moon suits. But don't be fooled. It is actually a deep look into big philosophical questions, ready to open up big conversations between readers. This would make a great young people's book club or parent/child book club selection.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Really well done and worth reading. I don't typically re-read books, but I'd keep this one and read it again - there are a lot of clever insights that I think I would pick up on another read through. Really enjoyed it and loved Robbi's illustrations. Bravo.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I am a person that has read this book

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book destroyed me, in the best way. Funny, heartwarming, and thought provoking in a way that both kids and grownups will appreciate. Can’t stop thinking about it!

[Theresa Quitshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I can’t stop thinking about it. Going to be one of my top reads of the year for sure!

[Lynden Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meow!
Matthew's words swallowed me up like the Hortle and regurgitated me in a golden encasement of deep reflection. Alongside Robbi's helpful wibble of illustrations that made me feel less alone and brave alongside Leo and the Valrootens when I needed to be while bringing all things to bear with much appreciated adorableness. This book took on many missions at once; possessed a key for opening many doors, and stepped courageously into caves unknown. Some things are hard to face, but this book will wait patiently to be cracked open and swallowed up as many times as necessary, coming up gold every time, across all time, space, dimensions for a million years. There is no artificial lingering taste of cardboard and soy sauce from this book. It is a moon melon with a hidden truth for everyone. In the hootings of one very brave, very unique Valrooten upon receiving such a deeply personal gift as Matthew and Robbi have brought to Earth from the celestial ether, "I love it!" And I believe in life on the moon!