Primary grade students wanting basic information about the phases of Earth’s moon will especially find The Moon helpful. There are nine pages of text, each opposite a full page of gorgeous color illustration or photo of the text’s topic. Each page of text usually has three sentences set in a large font. Topics include: creation of the moon theory, reflection of the sun’s light / phases of the moon, and craters.

The Moon measures 11″ x 9.5″.

The Moon ends with a page of three More Facts, a glossary, index, and Abdo Kids Code (abdokids.com OTK0536) for “crafts, games, videos, and more.”

To the Moon has the format of The Magic School Bus in that it has the story line accompanied by most of the illustrations and the factual text bubbles on every page turn.

To the Moon tells the story of Neil Strong’s class field trip to the Space Museum. There Neil sees exhibits about Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon in 1969. Neil wants to gather as much information as he can to make his science fair project extra special. Then, using his imagination Neil is transported to the moon itself. On the moon, Neil comes across an android named Luna who fills him in on basic moon facts like: lack of air, gravity, craters, and use of space suits. Before he knows it, Neil is back at the Space Museum and ready to go to the moon himself someday.

There are enough facts in this book that a student could use To the Moon as a reference book for a report. Mike Byrne’s does an awesome job showing the vast size of the moon using perspective. Mike also includes people of color in the illustrations and a student in a wheel chair. Though these do not add information to the story being told, it is a small step forward from a cultural diversity point of view.

To the Moon ends with an activity for making a moon diary of the moon’s phases and the usual: glossary, index, reference books, and websites (www.lerneresources.com) including NASA.

This picture book, Swashby and the Sea, by Beth Ferry, is a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship crossing typical age barriers. Although the book is recommended for ages 4-8, I think it would be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Juana Martinez-Neal’s illustrations bring the story to life through: word play in the sand, detailed facial expressions, and minute details like observant crabs and hints of Spanish language, like Swashby’s boat, El Recluso. The story begins as Swashby, a reclusive sailor, has retired to the beach for a relaxing life of solitude. However, his plans are  quickly ruined when his new neighbors, a granddaughter and her grandmother, move in. The book tells the story of a friendship between a young playful girl of color with an elderly grumpy white man. The unnamed girl’s persistence and kindness eventually win over the tough sailor, or Mr. Swashby as she calls him.  My only complaint is when the girl is swept into the sea, the severity of the situation is not acknowledged. Highly recommended for in-depth discussions or lessons, or as quick pleasure read that leaves you with a warm feeling inside.

Back in 2013, Bridget Heos and illustrator Joy Ang gave birth to Mustache Baby. If you know Mustache Baby, then you already know what happens when his mustache starts out short, then grows long with ends that curl. This book has facial hair magic verses Christmas magic. Two, two, two magics in one story.

The story begins with Billy’s (a.k.a. Mustache Baby) friend Javier , who was born with a full beard. “On Christmas Eve, Javier’s beard…turned white…[making] him Santa’s #1 helper, Santa Baby!”

Santa Baby is helping adult Santa, but forgets to make the toys. Oh, no! Along comes Baby Billy to become an elf and make the toys. Hurrah! With all the work of making the toys, Baby Billy’s mustache has grown long and curls at the ends. Oh, no! “BAD GUY MUSTACHE!” is keeping all of the toys he’s made for himself. Baby Santa becomes upset. His beard is growing longer turning Javier/ Baby Santa into “MAD GUY BEARD!” The two start a snowball fight with each other. When Elf Baby/Billy hurts an innocent the two rush to help the injured. Slowly, their mustache and beard go back to normal, just in time for adult Santa’s arrival. Adult Santa invited them to ride along with him in his sleigh. “…kids heard them exclaim, as they rode out of sight, Merry mustache to all…and to all a beard white!”

If you are a Mustache Baby fan, yes you will want this book , too. If they are new to Mustache Baby younger children may find this book with BAD GUY MUSTACHE and MAD GUY BEARD disheartening at Christmas time, but older children will like it. This said, it is not a wonderful stand alone book without the rest in the series.

Full two-page illustrations and simple text in this picture book tell the story of Bob the dog.  Bob works hard to clear off a neatly made bed to sleep the day away.  As he finally settles in he notices “Someone” (the cat) is watching him. Will Someone go away so Bob can sleep, or will Bob’s nap be disturbed?  Young children will enjoy hearing this story with a surprise ending, and may be able to read it for themselves.