When Moon Became the Moon

June 1, 2023
Hodgson follows up When Cloud Became a Cloud (2021) with this depiction of Earth's moon. Once again, objects are personified and the science is highly simplified but sound. In short, straightforward chapters, the author/illustrator introduces Sun and Earth, describes Moon's formation, and goes on to cover her orbit, craters, light, and phases as well as how Moon affects Earth's tides and Moon's role in solar eclipses. The text alternates between statements and speech-bubble commentary from the three main characters. It's set on the (usually) black background of cheery, collagelike illustrations that depict, among other things, Earth and Moon changing color as they cool down and Moon's phases (also shown on the endpapers). Moon has googly eyes and a smiling face with various expressions; she's friendly and helpful. And Earth is appreciative. The final two chapters discuss moon exploration so far--by rovers and humans--and hint at further visits. To conclude, Moon waves to a brown-skinned young earthling and issues an invitation: "Come visit me someday!" Where human characters appear, they're diverse. The book covers much the same material as Stacy McAnulty's similarly simple Moon! Earth's Best Friend (2019) with much the same level of personification but slightly more challenging text and depth, though it's still appropriate for preschoolers or very early readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A lighthearted introduction to our lunar companion. (Informational picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2023
A cheery picture book introduces Earth's moon, its origin, and its importance to our planet. Straightforward, developmentally appropriate scientific explanations ("Then, Earth used a special force, called gravity, to keep the rocks close by") are integrated into a lighthearted text in eleven brief chapters: "Sun," "Earth," "Baby Moon," "Orbit," etc. Digitally manipulated illustrations have a lively and approachable look. Though Hodgson gives the celestial objects expressive cartoon faces and feelings ("Earth and Moon were so happy to be new friends"), the information about the moon's phases, tides, solar eclipses, etc., is solid. Perfect for fans of McAnulty's Our Universe series, this book is sure to delight budding astronomers while inviting all readers to take time to look up at the evening sky and wonder. Eric Carpenter

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

August 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 A companion book to When Cloud Became a Cloud (2020), in which Hodgson explains the water cycle to young children, his new picture book introduces the moon and explains its orbit, its light, its occasional "magic" trick (a solar eclipse), how it was formed, how it affects Earth, why it has craters, and much more. The information is organized into chapters by topic. Simple ones are presented in two double-page spreads, while the longest, on phases of the moon, requires five spreads for the explanations and pictures. Each spread displays one or more imaginative, mixed-media illustrations in color. Keeping his audience in mind, Hodgson avoids lengthy discussions. His pithy commentary is accompanied by speech balloons carrying remarks from the moon, portrayed here as a knowledgeable, genial neighbor who loves her friends Sun and Earth and looks forward to welcoming more visitors from our planet someday. In the meantime, "Moon can't wait to look down from her spot in the night sky and see you, her new friend!" An enjoyable introductory book for curious kids.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from November 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Origin stories aren't just for superheroes! Moon's odyssey from flaming, red ball of Earth shards to silvery orb is one of the most iconic back stories. This companion to Hodgson's nonfiction-bending picture book When Cloud Became a Cloud, told in 11 very short chapters, describes the Moon's genesis as well as modern Moon phenomena such as phases, solar eclipses, and gravitational pull. There is also a nod to body positivity when Moon professes her love of her craters saying, "Each one is special!" Hodgson's personified planets, moons, and stars are simply illustrated and quite expressive, replete with eyelashes and cheeky grins. Nevertheless, clear and concise depictions of complex lunar processes will charm both children and adults. VERDICT Never has a celestial object's past, present, and future been told in a more fun and fact-filled way. A must-have for all collections; along with the first book and Drew Beckmeyer's I Am a Tornado, the lines between fiction and nonfiction are cheerfully smearing like chalk drawings on a rainy day.-Sarah Simpson

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2023
A cheery picture book introduces Earth's moon, its origin, and its importance to our planet. Straightforward, developmentally appropriate scientific explanations ("Then, Earth used a special force, called gravity, to keep the rocks close by") are integrated into a lighthearted text in eleven brief chapters: "Sun," "Earth," "Baby Moon," "Orbit," etc. Digitally manipulated illustrations have a lively and approachable look. Though Hodgson gives the celestial objects expressive cartoon faces and feelings ("Earth and Moon were so happy to be new friends"), the information about the moon's phases, tides, solar eclipses, etc., is solid. Perfect for fans of McAnulty's Our Universe series, this book is sure to delight budding astronomers while inviting all readers to take time to look up at the evening sky and wonder.

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)