A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple (and other moon books)

Do you love Owl Moon? Do you have kids who love all things space? Are you trying to teach your children about America’s first moon landing as we approach the 50th anniversary of that momentous accomplishment? Or maybe you remember exactly where you were on that magical day? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then be sure to get your hands on A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple, illustrated by Matt Phelan, before July 20, 2019!

*** Affiliate links used. 

Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, A Kite for Moon tells the story of a young boy who notices that Moon seems sad. Not knowing exactly how he can help, but feeling compassion to do something, the boy writes a note on a kite that he flies loose in the sky, promising Moon that he will come some day for a visit… Readers see the hard work and time that it can take to make a dream come true, and we celebrate together the boy finally keeping his promise and visiting the moon.

Though the storyline may seem simple, Yolen, Stemple, and Phelan have created layers that make this a delight to read over and over again. Yes, it’s a story about a dream of going to the moon, but it’s so much more than that. We get age-appropriate introductions to moon phases, rockets and satellites, and the algebra, geometry, physics, and science needed to travel safely to the moon. A Kite for Moon is a touching story of friendship and promises made, of the importance of perseverance and hard work. Written in the beautiful, lyrical form we might expect and illustrated with soft, tender pen and ink paintings, this is a must-read this summer.

But heed this warning— while I am not a crier, I have heard from many book-loving friends that this brought some tears to their eyes. Your kids will love the friendship story and the adventure of going to the moon, and you’ll love that it deeply touches your heart! Recommended for ages 4-8, but perfect for all ages.

You can find A Kite for Moon on my “90 Books for 90 Days of Summer” picture book list. Check it out here, print it out, and have a wonderful time reading with your children this summer!

Many thanks to Zonderkidz for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my honest thoughts on this book.

Other Books We’re Reading to Celebrate the First Moon Landing

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Rubbin– recommended for ages 4-8

If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg– recommended for ages 4-8

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis– recommended for ages 4-8

A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Matt Phelan– recommended for ages 4-8

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Lucy Knisley– recommended for ages 4-8

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (recommended for ages 5-9) AND A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison (recommended for ages 4-8)

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington– recommended for ages 4-8

Papa Put a Man on the Moon by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Sarah Green– recommended for ages 4-8

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling, illustrated by Laura Freeman– recommended for ages 4-8

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca (this link is for the expanded edition in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing)– recommended for ages 4 and up

Daring Dozen: The Twelve Who Walked on the Moon by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Alan Marks– recommended for ages 5-9

One Giant Leap: A Historical Account of the First Moon Landing by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer– recommended for ages 6-8

The First Men Who Went to the Moon by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Scott Brundage– recommended for ages 6-9

Letters from Space by Clayton Anderson, illustated by Susan Batori — recommended for ages 6-9

What are you reading this month to celebrate this amazing scientific accomplishment?