When Moon Became the Moon
by Rob Hodgson; illus. by the author
Preschool, Primary    Rise/Penguin Workshop    64 pp.
8/23    9780593523629    $18.99
e-book ed.  9780593657942    $11.99

A cheery picture book introduces Earth’s moon, its origin, and its importance to our planet. Straightforward, developmentally appropriate scientific explanations (“Then, Earth used a special force, called gravity, to keep the rocks close by”) are integrated into a lighthearted text in eleven brief chapters: “Sun,” “Earth,” “Baby Moon,” “Orbit,” etc. Digitally manipulated illustrations have a lively and approachable look. Though Hodgson gives the celestial objects expressive cartoon faces and feelings (“Earth and Moon were so happy to be new friends”), the information about the moon’s phases, tides, solar eclipses, etc., is solid. Perfect for fans of McAnulty’s Our Universe series, this book is sure to delight budding astronomers while inviting all readers to take time to look up at the evening sky and wonder.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.