Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
by Brian Floca
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 Pages
Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books (April 7, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 9781416950462
Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.8 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
This July, Little Pickle Press decided to do a space theme in honor of the July 8th launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, which will mark the end of the 30-year Space Shuttle program. For our review this month, we wanted to choose a book that would capture the attention of parents and children alike, and help to illustrate the significance of this upcoming event. Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca, takes us back to July 1969, when Apollo 11 carried three brave astronauts to the moon.
The Story: Moonshot captures the historic adventure of Apollo 11, in a way that is both simple and poetic. The reader is along for the journey as three brave astronauts liftoff on the adventure of a lifetime. From the launch, to the first steps on the moon, and the triumphant journey back home, Floca does an excellent job of delivering just the right amount of detail and simultaneously building excitement.
The Artwork: Moonshot is beautifully illustrated, with images that are powerful and complex. Each illustration is an experience of its own, holding as much detail— if not more— than its corresponding verse, and making the reader feel as if they are actually watching this historical event take place.
The Layout: The layout of Moonshot is fun and exciting. Although this book has images that have the potential to make the book seem too ‘busy’, the layout of this book offers just enough white space to keep the reader from feeling overwhelmed.
The Message: The message of Moonshot encapsulates a feeling experienced around the nation with the launch of Apollo 11— one of great accomplishment. Moonshot is the real-life story of a goal met, of not being afraid to accept a challenge, and of achieving the ‘impossible’.
Conclusion: This book is the perfect book to read as a family, to build excitement for and emphasize the importance of the upcoming shuttle launch. It would also make an inspirational gift for children with dreams that are out of this world. Buy Moonshot from Amazon, your local bookstore, or rent it from your local library to share with the little pickles in your life.
7 comments:
I remember being completely enthralled by Apollo 11 and changing my goal of being a fireman to being an astronaut. My Dad indulged me completely and it was such a fun time. I'm still looking forward to my first space walk.
I love this book! It really covers every detail of that day, and the astronauts journey. It's wonderfully illustrated/imaged and the text guides through the day with dramatic flare. Thank you for reviewing it!!
We were not previously familiar with this book. I'll add it to our home collection this month. Thanks for raising our awareness, Cameron.
This is a great review, Cameron. I love the descriptions and detail of the book and a reminder of this historical event. You made this a must have, must buy, with your comment about: the right amount of detail and simultaneously building excitement.
What a great review! As a Special Education Teacher, it is my goal to read books that promote facing a challenge and achieving beyond others expectations! This book review describes just that, and is next on my list to add to All Children Academics Library!!!
Thank you, Cameron. The message of Moonshot is a great example of why I feel that there is hope in the face of our great environmental challenges. When we humans work together, we can achieve the 'impossible'.
Perfect book for this moment in time, I love how it takes our connection and need for preservation beyond the traditional earth environment and all the way into space.
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