Moon Tree: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree

by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser, Simona Mulazzani (Illustrator)

A little girl finds a sycamore tree named a “moon tree” and wonders why. When no one knows, her third grade class is determined to find the answer. Their quest leads them to NASA, an extraordinary boy who grew up to be an astronaut, a broken metal container, and a story more fascinating than they could have ever imagined.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Space, Nature, History, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

CAROLYN BENNETT FRAISER is a children's author and life-long lover of books and nature. Her passion is to inspire curiosity and a love of reading in children of all ages. Carolyn and her husband currently live on a small homestead in western North Carolina where inspires local youth to read, write, and dream. When she is not reading, writing, or researching a new topic, Carolyn enjoys playing the piano, hiking, and snuggling with her rescued furbabies.

Learn more at www.carolynbfraiser.com.

Reviews

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC of MOON TREE: THE STORY OF ONE EXTRAORDINARY TREE. Illustrated by Simona Mulazzina, this non-fiction picture book releases from @reycraftbooks on September 1st.

I had never heard of moon trees before, and it was fascinating to learn the story of the 500 seeds that Stuart Roosa took into space with him in 1971. Over several years, the trees that grew from these seeds were scattered around the United States and largely forgotten until a girl and her third-grade class researched what a moon tree was and rediscovered a piece of history. With limited text, the book is accessible to a broad audience, and there is interesting back matter that lists the known trees in 23 states and provides more details about how they came to be. The book is an excellent text to use in classrooms in multiple subject areas, and I could see it inspire more student research projects.

With colorful artwork that perfectly links the natural world and space, this is a book I would recommend for both public and school libraries.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fellow elementary librarian recommended this book for an Earth Day lesson. I read it to my 3rd-grade and a couple of my 5th-grade classes this week.

I kind of wish the story was written in a different format or from a different perspective. It is called Moon Tree: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree, but it is about several trees, and the story is focused on "one ordinary boy," Stuart Roosa, who dreamed of being a pilot and grew up to be a NASA astronaut that took tree seeds on a mission orbiting the moon (Apollo 14). I would have loved for the story to be more about the trees and the experiment of taking seeds to the moon and planting them. (This element of the story is pretty vague and confusing.)

Where my students became more interested in this story was at the end, when they learn that we have a moon tree in our city, not far from the elementary school. I rode my bike over to see the moon tree and took pictures to include with my lesson. It was also exciting to be able to tell them about the Artemis I mission that took a batch of seeds to space—just a few months ago—for a new generation of moon trees. I am hoping that a new book will be written to tell the history of the moon tree projects.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon Tree is clever, intriguing, and just all-around lovely. Written for early elementary-age children, Fraiser teaches us about a child's wonder that led to a batch of seeds orbiting the moon in space, then returning to earth and being planted and studied. These seeds, which orbited the moon and then grew here on earth, have been forgotten. The impetus for bringing the project back to our awareness? Another child's wonder. Children's ingenuity and imagination inspire us all, and Moon Tree reminds me that there is a lot out there to wonder about. I certainly wondered about the trees planted near me! I can't wait to take my kids to visit one.

Moon Tree is a great book to get kids thinking about the world around them and wondering about projects in their own communities.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

I'd have loved to see a physical copy of this book, as it looks like it was produced beautifully, but I was only able to base my thoughts on a digital format.

[Annette Pimentel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Tree tells the true story of how tree seeds came to orbit the moon before being brought back to Earth to germinate and spread around the world. It also tells the surprising story of how the world forgot about them until the curiosity of a third-grade class prompted their rediscovery.

The text has an unusual structure, with a repeated refrain of “one,” focusing on how individual actions matter. I especially loved reading about how kids asking questions led to the rediscovery of moon trees. The art is beautiful—I wish I had the forest spread hanging on my wall!

This story of curiosity prompted my own curiosity and my family and I hunted out and visited the moon tree nearest us. We never would have found it without this book’s helpful back matter.

I received an advance reader’s copy of the book. This review reflects my opinions.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction picture book tells a fascinating true story about an astronaut's early life, his love for trees, and the mystery that a child discovered when she wondered what the "Moon Tree" at her summer camp was. She and her class at school did a research project to discover the answer, and found that the aforementioned astronaut had taken 500 seeds with him when he orbited the moon. NASA distributed seedlings from them during the Bicenntennial, but even though there were Moon Trees all over the country, people had forgotten the story. I really enjoyed learning about this forgotten piece of history, and would recommend the book for all ages.

[Melissa Trempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE Moon Tree! Thanks to the list of Moon Trees and where they are located in the back of the book, I went to find a moon tree and had so much fun on the adventure! This true and fascinating story is beautifully written and illustrated. My son loves nonfiction, and I know we’ll be rereading this one many times! Every classroom and library should have this book to inspire kids to wonder, ask questions, and pursue answers that are difficult to find. I love that the back matter gives more details about the history of astronaut Roosa, the trees, and the children who solved the mystery. 5 stars! You need this book!

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Tree is clever, beautiful book. I had never heard of moon trees before. Readers will learn about a batch of seeds that orbited the moon in space, then returned to earth and to be planted and studied. Interesting back matter lists the known trees and provides more details about them. The text is lovely (and lyrical), engaging, and pairs well with the colorful illustrations. This is a wonderful book for a classroom or in the home and is sure to generate questions about space. Great discussion starter! Readers of any age will be intrigued by this book.

[Emma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating true story! Who knew that NASA sent 500 tree seeds on a journey around the moon, to see if they would sprout in zero gravity? They did, and afterwards, many were planted around the country. Eventually, the story was forgotten, until, 20 years later, a Girl Scout troop discovered a tree labeled "Moon Tree" and researched it. I especially love that the astronaut who organized the project did so because he was a tree lover. A book for environmentalists and STEM lovers alike!

[OnceUponATime]

What an interesting story! I’m glad this one has been found & told--and in such an interesting fashion. The author steps through the story in poetic prose and then revisits those events in a more straightforward summary with more details at the end. The list of the locations of all the known moon trees in the back is a treasure. A stop to see one would be something to put on the itinerary for a family vacation!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Reycraft Books through SLJ Day of Dialogue.
When a young girl wonders about a certain tree, it leads the class to research one young man who became an astronaut who took seeds to the moon. This special tree came from those seeds and is proof that they did grow after going to space.
The illustrations are lovely and detailed. Readers will connect to seeing this boy grow up and work to follow his dream.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating book that combines SEL, history, and heart

We enjoyed learning about the history of moon trees in this unique, lyrically written picture book! The enchanting illustrations pair beautifully with the captivating text. This story that combines social-emotional learning, history, and heart will appeal to nature lovers and space enthusiasts alike. You’ll also want to check out the fascinating information at the back of the book.

[Jessica Yoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a fascinating story perfect for children interested in space and nature. It features beautiful, lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations. The back matter is very informative, and I was delighted to find out there is a moon tree not too far from where we live. Looks like our family has a trip to make!

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring true story of science, nature, adventure, and history! This beautiful story is shared through lyrical prose that pair perfectly with the gorgeous illustrations. Children and adults alike will find this book both engaging and fascinating. A great choice for every classroom or home library.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no clue that there were tree seeds that were taken to outer space - around the moon, and then brought back and planted on earth. WOW!
And the trees grew!
At one point there were 80 moon trees planted in the USA, but some of them have died or been cut down. Maybe there is still a moon tree near you that you can visit.
Very interesting book for kids who love science.

[Kimberly Horch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cool story of what the idea of one person can do!

Sidenote, my son heard somehow in school that there was a moon tree planted by our state capitol, so one time when we were out there we tromped all around and never found it. I can see in from the back he was close but very wrong about it's location! Thanks for the useful list!

[Leah Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Bennett Fraiser's Moon Tree is an amazing true story! Carolyn's lyrical language connects perfectly with Simona Mulazzani's illustrations, making each spread captivating for all ages. I had never heard of a moon tree before, and this book did a great job introducing the new topic with fascinating back matter as well. I highly recommend this book!

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

With enchanting illustrations and a fascinating true story about seeds that went to space, this book is perfect for science enthusiasts, adult and child alike. I especially love reading about anyone who rescues and cares for our trees, as did the astronaut who took the seeds to space. Enjoyable and lovely book that will make you want to go seek out all the moon trees across the country! So cool!

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all: space travel, trees, growing seeds, and forgotten dreams. Kids will be fascinated by this story because of its many levels to hold ones interest. As a read-aloud, it's lovely and lyrical. The art serves to elevate the text. Would be a great gift for elementary school teachers. Even the title is captivating.

[Tonnye Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Trees started as seeds, and Stuart Roosa started as a boy, and when the two came together, they created something spectacular -- something that was later almost forgotten, but for a curious third grade girl. An anthem to space, curiosity and asking questions. So many layers to this lovely lyrical picture book. Extensive back matter for exploring further for your little curious ones!

[Melissa Stiveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical learning at its best!

This beautifully written and illustrated story weaves a tale lost in time…and space. The reader forgets they’re reading factual information and is drawn into the prose of seeds traveling to the moon. Bravo!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I love the lyrical language and the fascinating story. I had no idea about moon trees, so I love that I learned a lot from reading this book. The back matter is full of more great information.

[Jenny Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The language throughout this story is both lyrical and engaging. It feels like a beautiful mystery unfolding. Such a unique and fascinating non fiction picture book highlighting what can come from questions, research and nature. The art is a perfect compliment to the text. Highly recommend!

[Susan]

A little girl wonders why a sycamore tree was called a moon tree, so her class sets out to find the answer and discovers that the tree grew from a seed that circled the moon! Carolyn Fraiser's simple poetic text and Simona Mulazzani's gorgeous illustrations bring this factual STEM story to life.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly gorgeous nonfiction picture book about a fascinating piece of NASA history and about dreamers. The illustrations are so beautiful, and the language is poetic. Definitely recommend as a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library!

[Shannonmde]

A friend told us about moon trees at Christmas — trees sprouted from seeds that went to the moon — she said they went to see one at a park in rural MO. Google search says we have moon trees locally at Purdue. Will go visit. Quick mention of Indiana and Girl Scouts in this book too.

[Jennifer Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing look at a very fascinating story. Well written and so fun! Kids will love this!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and surprising story! I immediately looked up the nearest moon tree to me to go visit.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a lesser-known aspect of the moon missions. I enjoyed it!

[Christie Angleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The format is kind of weird in this one - I was expecting the moon tree to be the star of the story, but that wasn't exactly the case. Still an interesting text with really beautiful illustrations.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!