THE MOON EXPLORER'S GUIDE BOOK

 The explosion of news about potential MOON landings in the coming years will spark loads of works on the topic, and they'll undoubtedly range in target age from tots to adults. The attention is welcome for a topic as essential to all of our lives as Earth's MOON. 

But interest in that glowing orb is as ancient as life on this planet, from animals howling to adjusting migration and plant growth. Once humans arrived on scene, the MOON was a subject for countless storytelling and cultural developments. In other words, the MOON is a magnetic, irresistible topic for consideration.

SOURCEBOOKS eXplore. 2026

As such, a new picture book feels essential for homes, libraries, schools, and for anyone with an ounce of curiosity. THE MOON EXPLORER'S GUiDE BOOK, with words by Ben Lerwill and pictures by Patrick Corrigan, has much to offer for casual gazers to dedicated investigators. Launched with a "visitor's pass" to board a trip to the moon, a kid and their dog, safely encased in space suits, learn countless fun facts. Some are translated into kid-imaginable math:

The moon is more than 75 million stacked giraffes from the surface of the Earth!

Essentials, like how long has it been there and where it came from, are addressed in text and images. The MOON's puzzling changes in appearances, otherwise known as the phases of the moon, are considered effectively and clearly, while the names of seas (actually craters) are explained in dramatic illustration and powerful text. 

Although the moon landings were within my lifetime and are both undeniable and unforgettable, they appear as jaw-dropping history to young readers. Amusing details assure this is not AI or other contrived storytelling. For example, can you guess the number of bags of astronaut poop left behind? The correct response is provided in these pages. 

Young readers are encouraged to imagine themselves working on the science and engineering that will be involved in future trips to the MOON. Considering the potential span of young audiences for this book, they might well reach a point in the future in which they could travel there even if not in official capacities. From front to back, each spread offers inspiration and new discoveries, which are likely to lead to even more questions and further reading.

If you are reading this post as it goes live, I've timed it to release during the Autumn full moon period, otherwise known as the time of the HARVEST MOON. The moon will rise early, linger into the next morning, and appear even larger than usual. Good news is that this will appear to be so for several days, so that even if skies are overcast, anyone can likely find a time to step outside and just gaze. Gaze long. Gaze longingly. And wonder.