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Goodbye Earth, Hello Moon!



Last updated Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Author: Gabriel Meil
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 1934866024
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2009

Synopsis: Addressing a world that is changing due to rising temperatures, this story highlights the cheeky responses of many different animals as they leave their endangered habitats to travel to the moon. A hilarious romp through the issue of global warming, the superb illustrations and smart writing of this beautiful picture book will entertain children and engage adults with its irreverence and beauty. Through a careful use of humor, this uproarious tale manages to address the problem of global warming without being scary or preachy, and features a surprise ending that is both fun and hopeful.

Note to readers:
•  Vocabulary: Skyscrapers, declare, glacier, flooding, equator

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What are the penguins doing on the ship?
•  Can penguins travel on a ship?
•  Where are the penguins?
•  Why are they throwing flowers?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did the animals leave go to the moon?
•  Can all these animals live on the moon?
•  Why do they have all these “bubbles” around their heads?
•  Why is the penguin packing fish?
•  Note the different ways of saying “goodbye” and “hello” in different languages.
•  What would we do if all the animals left?
•  Which of these animals have you seen?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a 3-D Rocket ship, which can also fold flat into a Rocket ship book mark. Using the template provided, cut out 2 spaceship shapes. For fun, you can use contrasting colors. (If no template is provided, draw a rocket ship shape). Taking one Rocket ship shape, cut from the top into the middle. Using the other shape, cut from the bottom into the middle. Slide the shapes together to create a 3 dimensional Rocket ship. Decorate the rocket ship with positive phrases like “Reading is Power” or “Blast Off With Reading” or even “ Reading to Kids”. Color and add strings, cotton and other embellishments to create exhaust. The rocket ship folds flat into a bookmark too!

*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!