Moon!

Title: "Moon Earth's Best Friend" by Stacy McAnulty

Publication Details:

• Author: Stacy McAnulty
• Illustrator: Stevie Lewis
• Published: June 11, 2019
• Series: Our Universe series (Book 3)

Plot Summary: "Moon Earth's Best Friend" is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book that tells the story of the moon's formation and history from the moon's perspective. The book is an anthropomorphic tale where the moon, referred to as "Moon," describes her relationship with Earth, emphasizing their deep connection. The narrative explains how the moon came into existence, discusses the moon's phases, and details how gravity causes tides on Earth. The book also provides kid-friendly facts about the moon and other planets, aiming to clear up misconceptions and myths about space.

Key Themes:

1. Friendship: The central theme is the friendship between the moon and Earth, highlighting their constant companionship.
2. Education: The book aims to educate children about the moon's formation, phases, and its effects on Earth.
3. Anthropomorphism: The moon is given human-like qualities to make the story more relatable and engaging for young readers.

Critical Reception:

• Goodreads: The book is praised for its simplicity and clarity in conveying complex astronomical concepts. The mixed-media cartoons by Stevie Lewis are noted to work perfectly with the narration, making the book both charming and educational. The text is described as straightforward and anthropomorphic, making it accessible to children.
• Unleashing Readers: The review highlights the book's light-hearted and humorous approach to teaching about the moon. It praises the author's ability to channel the voice of the moon effectively, making the book an enjoyable read for both children and adults. The illustrator's work is also commended for bringing the celestial facts to life in a beautiful manner.
• Scholastic: The summary describes the book as a lighthearted nonfiction picture book about the moon's formation and history, told from the moon's perspective. It emphasizes the kid-friendly facts and the charming illustrations, making it an engaging companion to other books in the Our Universe series.

Overall, "Moon Earth's Best Friend" is a well-received book that successfully combines education with entertainment, making it an excellent choice for children interested in space and astronomy.