Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing with 9 Inspiring Picture Books

Papa Put a Man on the Moon, by Kristy Dempsey and Sarah Green
Revealing a detail many might not know about the space program, this picture book tells the story of a man who worked at a mill where a layer of fiberglass was woven into early spacesuits. Narrated by his daughter, the book is really about taking pride in being part of something bigger, and it gives a visceral sense of how extraordinary it was to witness the moon landing.

The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal, by Nick Seluk
This book uses fantasy elements and a conversational tone to introduce real science about the solar system and our sun’s essential role in it. Younger readers can focus on the informative body text, while older readers will enjoy the clever asides and breaks in the fourth wall. The humor feels fresh, and the jacket unfolds into a cute poster of the solar system.

Tiny Little Rocket, by Richard Collingridge
In this second-person adventure, you’re in the pilot’s seat, steering your way through the solar system. This fast-paced adventure captures the excitement of seeing sights that are out of this world. And a fold-out banner at the end celebrates the Earth’s birthday in a unique way.

A Computer Called Katherine, by Suzanne Slade and Veronica Miller Jamison
This picture book biography profiles Katherine Johnson from grade school to NASA, where she computed the equations that put the first humans on the moon. Slade thoughtfully adds historical context around race and gender. Solid vocabulary and real-world math concepts are grounded in a likable, relatable heroine. Throughout, we see her fight for her place at the table and prove her genius and importance again and again.

Moon Babies, by Karen Jameson and Amy Hevron
If you are planning a baby shower for a friend, here’s your theme, present, and compliments all in one sweet book. This rhyming text invites readers to enter a “secret moon world,” where baby moons learn to moon walk, drift on the Milky Way, and swing at Starlight Park. The clever concept is sprinkled with stardust and magic, making this the perfect gift for all the Luna Lovegoods and their babies in your life.

A Kite for Moon, by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and Matt Phelan
This poetic picture book imagines life from the moon’s point of view, worrying about world peace, counting meteors, and feeling lonely. A sympathetic boy sends kites up to keep her company and vows to visit. When he grows up, he studies math and eventually becomes an astronaut and makes good on his promise to visit the moon. Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, this book will have you looking up with new eyes.

Penguinaut, by Marcie Colleen and Emma Yarlett
Penguin is little, but he has some big dreams, like flying to the moon. After some failed attempts to flap his way there, he takes a refreshingly analog approach to building a rocket. When he lands, he dances across the moon with glee, then returns home a hero. In between, he learns it’s possible to achieve even the biggest dreams, especially when you can celebrate with friends.

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon, by Dean Robbins and Sean Rubin
This breathless account of Alan Bean, the only artist to ever leave the Earth, celebrates art’s ability to reveal the magic and mystery that attract so many to science. After he returned to Earth, the astronaut played with color, materials, and texture in his paintings, even sprinkling in moon dust and stamping his paintings with moon boots. Sure it’s a book about the moon. But really it’s a book about what it feels like to visit the moon and want to bring the entire world along with you.

Future Astronaut, by Lori Alexander and Allison Black
This board book highlights the surprising and delightful similarities between astronauts and babies. Baby gets a physical. There’s gear and gymnastics. Lots of training and eating from plastic pouches. And of course, Baby dreams of exploring just like astronauts do. Now if only we could countdown to naptime in T-3, 2, 1…