Beam me up, Scotty!

On July 20th of this year, Americans of all ages will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the historic moon landing. Bookstores far & wide will proudly display the newest and best of books published chronicling this prestigious moment in history! In honor of this star studded day, I wanted to share two of my own favorite space related children's books!



The first & newest of picture books I've added to my moon landing collection of stories is Look To the Stars by Buzz Aldrin. As one of a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon, Buzz Aldrin has a unique perspective on space. He serves as an amazing guide as he introduces us to the pioneers of space travel. From Copernicus to the Wright brothers, from the Apollo program to dreams of future travel, he reminds us that mankind has always looked to the stars. Aldrin's informative, kid-friendly text is paired with beautifully detailed illustrations by renowned illustrator Wendell Minor. This book offers the perfect introduction to everything space-related, including the development of the first rockets, America's space race with Russia, details of the Apollo missions, and the space station. Aldrin and Minor collaborated on the bestselling Reaching for the Moon and now they reach beyond that book to give readers a concise look at the entire history of space exploration. Each spread provides a wonderful jumping-off point for young readers, and will no doubt inspire them to look to the stars themselves. Thinking of doing some early Christmas shopping? This is the "it" gift book of the year! *recommended reading for all ages*


One of my other favorite space adventuring picture books is Regards to the Man in the Moon by bestselling author, Ezra Jack Keats. When the other kids make fun of Louie and call his father “the junkman,” his dad explains that the so called junk he loves “can take you right out of this world”—with a little imagination. So Louie builds the spaceship Imagination I and blasts off into his own space odyssey. Reissued just in time for the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing, this fantastical Keats adventure celebrates the power of imagination, with the help of some very creative friends! Even if it's been a while since you've journeyed though the spectacular worlds of Ezra Jack Keats, this is the book that will make you fall in love with him all over again! *recommended reading age 3-6*

So go ahead young astronauts , break out those telescopes & space boots! All of the thrilling wonders of space are right here, only a page away!

Happy Landings!

---Colleen