Thank you, Moon by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Jessica Lanan

But most of all, thank you Moon, for enchanting us with your 

ever-changing beauty, night after night ...

There is a plant I have in my garden that uses the length of the day as a trigger to flower. As the days grow shorter the plant sets buds and then flowers. Similarly, there are lots of plants and animals that use the phases of the moon in various ways.

Who uses the moon?

• Sea turtles
• Dung Beetles
• Black-headed night monkey
• European nightjar (bird)
• Lion
• Thomson's gazelle
• Zooplantkon
• Merriam's kangaroo rat (from Mexico)
• Stony coral
• Joint Pine (shrub)

In a series of thank-yous paired with brief notes on nature, Stewart points to the influence of the moon on wildlife—how it helps hunting lions when thinned to a crescent and their grazing prey when full, signals kangaroo rats to hide in the shadows and zooplankton to head for the sea’s darker depths when bright, and lights the way for black-headed night monkeys and hatchling leatherback turtles. Kirkus

So, this book is nonfiction BUT it is also a lyrical love song to the moon as evidenced by the text quote at the beginning of this post. The fact sections on each page are in the corner of the spread and in a smaller font and at the back of the book there are details about all of the animals and plants; a chart of the phases of the moon; and an extra reading list and information source list. All of these are perfect additions to a nonfiction book. Melissa Stewart has a fabulous web page filled with brilliant science picture books and nonfiction titles and brilliant ideas for educators. Read more about Thank you, Moon here. 

Here in Australia this book is very expensive (nearly AUS$38) BUT if you do have a little extra money I highly recommend adding this title to your collection. 

I often talk to the full moon and I say thank you or, based on the book Happy Birthday Moon, I say Happy Birthday. And here are some other special books about the moon:

The Moon Keeper

The Boy who loved the Moon

The Moon Keeper by Zosienka

Here is the blurb:

"Emile (a polar bear) has a new job as moon keeper. He spends his evenings making sure the moon has everything it needs to shine its light over the night creatures. Night after night he keeps watch over the moon - clearing away the clouds and telling the fruit bats to move along, when they play too close. Emile finds the moon nice to talk to in the stillness of the night. But what happens when the moon starts to change and slowly disappears?"

Emile packs his rucksack with all the things he might need for his important new job - matches, a candle, large net, pliers, a slingshot, a spool of red thread, water bottle, jar of fireflies, feather duster, crayons, a torch and a blank book. 

Image source: Debbie Bibo agency

The note book and crayons become very important when Emile notices the moon is changing. He draws a picture of the moon each night and compares it with the one from the night before. Why is this happening? Is the moon hungry? Is the moon sad? Perhaps the moon looks different on the other side of the world. No, Emile phones his cousin in the jungle and it seems the moon looks the same from the night time jungle. 

"The moon grows thinner and thinner until it's no thicker than a thread."

A green bird arrives. I think this might be a night parrot. This bird is so wise. He advises Emile to wait. Things come and go. Wait and you will see the moon again.

The Moon Keeper is an exquisite book that explores the mystery of the phases of the moon. This is story telling at its best. The end papers use a beautiful palette of navy blue, red and cream. The pattern reminds me of wallpaper. There are fireflies on the title page emerging from a jar and their journey takes them to the back cover where they appear to be fluttering off into the night sky.

Fall in love with this moving and magical picture book about a sweet, conscientious polar bear, the moon, and the special connection they share. Barnes and Noble

This lyrical picture book introduces children to the concept the lunar cycle, helping them to understand the different phases of the moon.Stunning illustrations create a meditative atmosphere, making this magical tale of kindness, hope and faith ideal for bedtime reading. Book Trust

Zosienka is from South Africa. I highly recommend you add The Moon Keeper to your shopping list both for a school library and as a gift for a young child. This is Zosienka's first picture book as author and illustrator. You can see also her work in the book Baby Bird by Andrew Gibbs.

There are many excellent book that explore the phases of the moon. The Moon Keeper is certainly one of the best I have seen. Make sure you also read Papa, please get the moon for me.