2 Kid Lit Tales Take You to the Moon and Back

After seeing the moon in the 2017 North American Eclipse, two new kid lit lunar tales just happened to land in my lap at the same time.  LOL.... it’s a sign, so I’m penning a 2-fer review for you here. 
 
Both books feature lunar landscape and fun.  Julie Schooler's Maxy Moo Flies to the Moon is a rhyming bedtime picture book for youngest children; Carmela Dutra's Little Katie Goes to the Moon picture book for early readers mixes fun and science facts.  Please read on for my reviews of both.

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​ABOUT THE BOOKS
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Title: Maxy-Moo Flies to the Moon | Author Julie Schooler Julie Schooler I illustrator Catty Flores | Publication Date:  July 2017 | Publisher: BoomerMax, Ltd | Pages: 19 | Recommended Ages: 3-7
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Julie Schooler's debut rhyming picture book, with colorful art by Catty Flores, is a perfect bedtime tale. 

The author’s magical romp takes children to the moon with Maxy-Moo and his pal, Flyn, for adventures and mayhem. The boys meet a zoo on the moon that is like none on earth, filled with baby animals that can't sleep.  

​Plus, all the animals get along!  

The boys and animals sing and dance together in a joyful conga line. 

What parents will like:
The book’s format engages the reader with Flores’ bright art in primary colors and Schooler’s quirky rhymes on facing pages.  This quick read also introduces young readers to different animals Maxy encounters, a learning opportunity for kids to identify different critters.  Another great teachable moment: the animals get along with each other despite their differences!  

​Best, Maxy flies home, sleepy and ready for bed (HINT for your young reader: time to turn out the lights!).

My recommendation
5 Meows

Julie Schooler's Maxy-Moo Flies to the Moon delights with colorful art and zippy rhymes.  It's perfect for learning about animals and bedtime reading for preschoolers to first graders.

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ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: Little Katie Goes to the Moon | Author, Illustrator Carmela Dutra | Publication Date:  June 2016 | Publisher: Pegasus Pony | Pages: 39 | Recommended Ages: 5-9
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​Author/illustrator Carmela Dutra offers an outstanding introduction to astronomy in a tale mixing whimsy and science.  As Little Katie and her faithful dog, Smudge, travel through space, the author sprinkles kid-friendly lunar facts along the way. 
 
A spunky protagonist, Katie is excellent role model as she pursues a career as an astronaut, a path typically not selected by girls.  Subdued pencil illustrations add to the story's dreamy tone. 

​I won't give away the twist at the end, but I love how children are encouraged to use their imagination and emulate  Katie's flight.

What parents will like:
The story is a good mix of dialogue and narrative that keeps children and YOU engaged.  A kid-friendly glossary of technical terms at the end of the book offers opportunities to extend and reinforce learning.  And three cheers for a tale aimed at getting girls interested in science!
 
A word about formatting: I prefer a more-traditional font instead of the stylized, all upper-case lettering selected for this book; however, I was unable to change the font on my digital copy. A simpler font would make reading easier for those with visual impairments/learning challenges and model what  young readers practice in school.

My recommendation
4.5 Meows

Carmela Dutra’s Little Katie Goes to the Moon mixes fun, fiction, and facts for beginning readers in grades K-3.  This chapter book especially appeals to teachers for use in a science unit, for girls as a career model, and to all children interested in astronomy. 
 
Disclosure: I was given advance review copies of these book and wish to share an honest, unbiased opinion of my reading experience.  Cat Michaels, M.S., Ed.

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