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If You Decide To Go To The Moon
Last updated Monday, April 5, 2010
Author: Faith McNulty
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Date of Publication: 2005
ISBN: 0590483595
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2010
Synopsis:
In this lavish picture book, readers accompany a boy on a fascinating excursion to the moon. The lyrical text provides tips on what to pack and describes the distance to be covered. After blastoff, facts about space travel are mingled with descriptions of what the journey might be like: the loneliness, the lack of gravity, and how you might pass the time. After landing, the text warns: Your first step will be difficult. You will rise in the air and leap forward like a kangaroo, but once you learn how, walking will be fun. It also suggests that the moon's lack of sound and color may make it seem like a dream. After viewing the flag left behind by astronauts, it's time to depart. As Earth looms closer, a four-page foldout in a glorious burst of color marks our planet's contrast to the moon's black-and-white shades. These pages depict a variety of wonders: all sorts of animals and landscapes as well as people from different historical periods and locales. The narrative notes, Air and water are Earth's special blessings. We must guard them well. The final pages show the boy returning home. Rich artwork complements the strong text. Kellogg's generous splashes of bright hues in the Earth and shipboard scenes juxtaposed with the somber moonscapes set the appropriate moods. Houston, we have a winner!–DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
| Note to readers: |
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This book is on the longer side for Kindergarten. Take frequent breaks. Read the book before hand and decide if you want to skip some pages.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever wanted to go to the moon?
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What is he wearing?
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How fast does your parents car go?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Stop and do a movement exercise: Practice walking on the moon?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw a picture of you on the moon, or of you in a space ship.
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Draw a picture of a dream.
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If you were going to the moon, what would you bring? Draw pictures of those things.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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