The Moon: Small-But-Mighty Neighbor

by Laura Perdew, Hui Li (Illustrator)

A full-color nonfiction picture book to introduce kids ages 5 through 8 to our closest cosmic neighbor--the moon! The moon is one of the smaller celestial objects in the universe, but it has some very important jobs. Without it, Earth would be a very different place!

In Moon: Small but Mighty Neighbor , kids ages 5 to 8 learn how the moon formed, how it keeps the Earth steady, and why it has no life beyond rare visits from humans. Narrated by the character of the Universe, this story offers up clearly stated scientific explanations designed to gets kids excited about astronomy, covering topics such as the moon's phases, eclipses, and humans' long history watching the moon. A hands-on project, fun facts, and a poem offer more opportunities for learning and language connections, while two alien commentators make the whole package delightful and hilarious. Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers, with a glossary to support language development. Moon: Small but Mighty Neighbor is part of a set of four books in the Picture Book Science series that explore our incredible solar system. Other titles in this series include Stars: A Gazillion Suns ; Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet ; and Sun: Shining Star of the Solar System.

Provides layered text and back matter that encourage more in-depth discovery

Promotes a sense of awe and wonder in astronomy

Uses humor to engage children's attention

Promotes cross-curriculum learning through poetry

Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning

Meets Next Generation Science Standards in Earth's Place in the Universe and Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles for grades K through 3.
About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating! These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2021

About the author

I am a mom, author, writing consultant, and former middle school teacher. I write fiction and nonfiction for kids, including over 30 books for the education market on a variety of topics including wetland conservation, renewable energy, extinction, and animal adaptations. BIODIVERSITY: EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE ON EARTH (Nomad Press, 2019) earned a starred review from Booklist and is a Junior Library Guild selection. My first fiction picture book is THE FORT (Page Street Kids, 2020). My goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists through books.

Reviews

[Viviane Elbee]

This mostly non-fiction picture book is about the moon. The narrator is the Universe, and there are two aliens who provide some jokes & additional commentary. The illustrations are nice and it is for science class for preschoolers or elementary school students.

If you are looking for books about outer-space, check out Stacy McAnulty's book, Moon.

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

The universe was one of my favourite subjects growing up - and I love that the Universe is the narrator in this book. I did not really care for the two aliens as side characters, but I am pretty sure kids will enjoy them.

I think I read all the books in the series, and the one about our Moon is not as entertaining or fascinating, which is sad because the Moon is awesome.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nonfiction story w silly narrators- aliens and the universe herself, in this case- to explain the formation and role of the moon. Liked the phases of the moon activity and glossary at the back. The story felt a little flat compared to Stacy McNaulty’s similar book (both in subject matter and style).

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, but prefer the Our Universe series better

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adds in lots of humor, lots of personification but the facts are solid.

[Cristine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for young children to learn about the moon!

[Julia Tyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great facts about the moon from cute little aliens. Lots of vocabulary.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books gets 3 stars from me because it gave really good information.

What I didn't not like in a "NON-FICTION" book was the aliens. I know, they were comic relief, but because googly and one eyed aliens are as real as Santa Claus I just can condone it.

I am fine with the personification of the Universe, the Universe exists but aliens... sigh! Unless you can prove to me that aliens look like that, then cool, I am sure there are other beings in the universe but do they look like that, not so sure!