The moon is a constant in our night sky and often the first thing little kids know about when they start to learn about space and our solar system. This is a fun, cozy storytime that focuses on the moon. I recommend having kids come in their pajamas for this storytime. It has wonderful children’s books to read aloud and some engaging activities to extend learning afterwards. Let’s dive in….rocket up?
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Moon Storytime Read Aloud Picks
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
by Grace Lin
What a clever book. I love the story and I love the creative way the moon phases is woven into this story. The illustrations are incredible, the story is sweet. This book would be wonderful to share with anyone, but I also see huge education potential for tying this into a lesson or unit about the moon or space.
Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon
by Jen Campbell
illustrated by Katie Harnett
A quiet adventure story. This book is full of exploration and imagination and wonder. You feel like you’re in someone’s imagination or dreams kind of floating along. Luna and her best friend Franklin, a dragon, go on an adventure to find Franklin’s family. They encounter incredible things and creatures along the way and then blast into space where they finally find Franklin’s family. I love the discussion of books and imagination and I love the way this book leaves you thinking about the world in a more childlike way. This works for storytime if you have a patient audience. It is a little quieter, despite being an adventure story.
Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book
by Britta Teckentrup
This has a very different feel than the other books on this list. It read like a poem and has a dreamy feel to it. I love the way Teckentrup uses cut paper and peek through pages to make the moon wax and wane as you make your way through the book.
A Kite for Moon
by Jane Yolen and Heidi E Y Stemple
illustrated by Matt Phelan
A lovely little story about a boy who promises to visit the moon one day because it seems lonely. A story of big dreams and working hard to achieve them but one that reads like poetry. Dreamy illustrations and word choice perfection, this is a unique story about space travel that will have a new generation looking up to the moon.
You May Also Like:
Picture Books about Astronauts and Rocket Ships for Kids Fascinated by Outer Space
Storytime Song about the Moon
If You’re Going to the Moon
This is such a cute song for story time. I learned it from the Jbrary librarians. My kids love this one too.
Watch on YouTube
Storytime Activity
If you are using this storytime with a small group at the library or in a classroom or at home, anytime when either you want to extend learning and the kids are willing and able to take turns and engage in a hands on activity, then this Moon Phases Felt Board would be a fun addition.
Explore the Moon Phases in a hands on way with a felt board. Read the instructions on Still Playing School.
Moon Activities to Extend Learning
These are some ideas to have in your learning space after storytime. They allow kids to explore the moon more. There are zillions of ideas but I like these for the age group and their interactive nature. They also give you a little taste of the cognitive, visual art, and gross motor options out there to learn about the moon.
Practice recognizing the moon phases with a moon phases puzzle. You can learn how to make one on What Do We Do All Day. She also has some other really fun hands on moon themed activity ideas.
Make Phases of the Moon Mobiles. Learn how on CreativeFamilyFun.net
Get active with this fun Gross Motor Moon Phases activity. Read the full post on Learn Play Imagine.
