For kids, there is nothing more magical than the moon. And, tuning in to the moon can teach kids so much about change, transition and the natural world. Our team has compiled a list of our favorite moon books. Read some of these to spark curiosity, then try out some of these ideas to help your family tune in to the magic of the moon!
The Moon Keeper by Josienka
Polar bear Emile takes his new job of “moon keeper” very seriously. He does his best to keep watch over the moon and ensure that it can shine its light over the night creatures. Emilie becomes concerned when he notices that the moon starts to change- and eventually disappears- until he discovers that the moon, like many things in life, come and go.
Goodnight, Max the Brave by Ed Vere
Max can’t go to bed until he finishes his bedtime routine, which includes saying goodnight to the moon. On this night, he can't find the moon at all and sets out on a journey to find it!
Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper
Saying goodbye to Grandpa is never easy. When Max has to leave, he’s comforted by knowing the moon outside Grandpa’s house will follow him home.
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
It is kitten’s first full moon and she mistakes the glowing orb for a delicious bowl of milk in the sky. Full of determination, kitten sets out on a quest to get that bowl of milk, trying out new strategies along the way.
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
A child’s Papa sets out to get the moon for her to play with, only to find that it is too big to carry home. This sweet story about love and reaching for goals is treasured for Eric Carle’s vibrant illustrations of the waxing and waning moon.
The Night is Yours by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Amani’s proud father lovingly narrates this story as he watches her play a game of hide-and-seek with her friends in the courtyard by the light of the moon. Amani is confident and persistent, and she harnesses the power of the moon to win her game.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
With the moon as their companion, a young girl and her father go owling one winter night. In the stillness and quiet of the night, they connect with the mystery and beauty of the natural world around them.
City Moon by Rachael Cole and Blanca Gomez
A young boy and his mother take a nighttime walk around their neighborhood to find the moon. As the moon peeks out from behind buildings and clouds- and then disappears again- the child asks questions about the elusive moon.
Red Knit Cap Girl by Naoko Stoop
Red Knit Cap Girl wishes more than anything that she could talk to the moon. With the help of her forest friends, she sets off on an imaginative journey to meet the moon.
I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay
One night when everyone has fallen asleep, a young child embarks on a magical journey with his friend the moon. This story is the inspiration for our “Take the Moon for a Walk” DIY activity.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold sets out for a walk in the moonlight carrying only his large purple crayon. Using his crayon and his imagination, Harold creates his own adventure and uses the light of the moon to find his way back home.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
In this classic book, a little bunny says goodnight to all of the familiar things that surround it, including the clocks and its socks, the mittens and kittens- and of course, the moon.
