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Books - Science Adventures with Max the Dog

Max Goes to the Moon

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Max Goes to the Moon *** Winner: Colorado Book Award ***

*** Parents' Choice Recommended Award ***

"Simply the coolest kids' book to come along in years... Absolutely irresistible."
-- Clay Evans, Book Critic, Boulder Daily Camera

"A book that can be enjoyed by children and adults and is scientifically accurate besides is a rare treasure indeed."
-- Sidney Wolff, Astronomy Education Review

Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association for Grades K-8:
"Max Goes to the Moon introduces elementary students to the wonders of space and space travel... a perfect springboard for many classroom discussions, experiments, and lessons."
-- Robin Booth, in Science and Children

Chosen by NASA as an Outstanding Educational Product

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About the Author and Illustrator

Answer to Challenge Question (p. 31)

"Secrets of the paintings" and other page-by-page notes


Summary

Max Goes to The Moon tells the story of how Max the dog and a young girl named Tori undertake a quest to make the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that the nations of the world join together to build a great Moon colony, complete with a university and an astronomical observatory. The colony, with its beautiful views of Earth hanging in the lunar sky, helps inspire everyone with a message of unlimited human potential and the importance of respecting our home planet.

The story and art alone would make Max Goes to the Moon a treasure for children, but the education is only beginning. Everything that happens in the story actually has some very interesting behind the scenes science. Big Kid Boxes, which appear along the sides of the pages, offer clear and simple explanations of these key science concepts. Older children and parents will love what they learn from the Big Kid Boxes. Finally, the book concludes with a simple activity that parents and children can try together.


Reviews

Parents' Choice Foundation Award Winner (Recommended)

Read the review on the National Science Teachers Association Recommends List

A book that can be enjoyed by children and adults and is scientifically accurate besides is a rare treasure indeed.
-- Sidney Wolff, Astronomy Education Review

Max Goes to the Moon introduces elementary students to the wonders of space and space travel...a perfect springboard for many classroom discussions, experiments, and lessons.
-- Robin Booth, in Science and Children

Max Goes to the Moon engages students, teachers, and parents with an amusing story while placing real science lessons in context. It is a most enjoyable read and a terrific teaching aid for elementary teachers.
-- Vance R. Ablott, President and CEO, Challenger Center for Space Science Education

A thoroughly enjoyable story that both inspires young minds and rekindles grown-up's dreams of exploring the Moon. As interesting to adults as it is fun for children, Max Goes to the Moon will be a treasure for anyone who seeks a wider appreciation of the Earth, the Moon, and space exploration.
-- Laura Danly, Curator of Space Science, Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The real facts, embedded in a fun and exciting story, make Max educational and fun for kids and grownups. i loved it!
-- Denise Yellen Ganot, 2nd grade teacher, Palo Alto, California

See what kids are saying...


Big Kid Boxes

Max Goes to the Moon is a great family learning experience. Educationally designed "Big Kid Boxes" run parallel to the simply told and beautifully illustrated story. These boxes, written especially for parents and other older kids, explain the science behind the story. Among other exciting topics you'll learn:

  • Why we sometimes see the Moon in the daytime
  • Why spaceships don't need wings
  • Why it's useful to put telescopes in space
  • How a frisbee would fly on the Moon

Click here for a complete list of the Big Kid Boxes and their ties to the story.