Footprints on the Moon
on Goodreads (195)
What’s inside...
Best-selling author Mark Haddon recalls his boyhood fascination with the moon and his pure wonder at witnessing the first lunar landing. He shares the story of a little boy who gazed at the moon, dizzy with the thought that he was looking at a world 200,000 miles away. The boy read atlases, library books, and kept clippings on astronauts orbiting the moon, hoping that they would find a way to land there. One extraordinary day, they did, and the event was captured on his flickery TV, like giants bouncing in slow motion. That night, the boy dreamed that he walked on the moon with them too. Mark Haddon conveys the thrill of this historical moment through a child’s eyes, aided by Christian Birmingham’s evocative illustrations. Leading up to the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, the excitement is captured in this picture book, now with a new cover design. Haddon, the prize-winning author of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time,' vividly brings to life the dream of a boy who hoped to see astronauts land on the moon and walk across the Sea of Tranquility, a dream that was realized one cloudless night.
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to walk on the moon?
How did the characters in the story work together to overcome challenges?
What would you have done if you were in the characters' shoes during their adventure?
How do you think the moonwalk changed the characters? Did they learn anything new about themselves?
If you could ask the astronaut in the story one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to express their feelings and thoughts about the story’s events and characters. Validate their feelings and gently guide them towards deeper insights.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark imagination. Ask children to visualize and describe their own version of being on the moon or experiencing an adventure.
Connect the story to personal experiences or aspirations. For instance, discussing a time when the child achieved something challenging or exploring their own big dreams.
Promote empathy by discussing the characters’ emotions and challenges. Ask how your child might feel in similar situations, fostering a connection with the characters.
Encourage creative thinking by asking the child what alternative endings they could imagine for the story or different choices the characters might have made.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Footprints on the Moon' faces numerous challenges but continually strives to overcome them, demonstrating the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's solving a hard math problem or learning a new sport.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The book encourages exploration and curiosity, as the main character embarks on a journey of discovery on the moon.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore new subjects in school or in their daily activities, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery in navigating an unknown world, teaching children the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be brave when trying new activities or making new friends, helping them grow socially and emotionally.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the character learns the value of making allies and working together, emphasizing the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperation and building friendships, which are vital skills for group projects and communal activities.