Category Archives: kids

Fun Space Facts for Children: Our Moon

best books, children, kids, moon, planets, solar system, space

 

The Moon

Name: Moon comes from an old English word, Mona, meaning month or to measure.

That’s why we see:

  • 🌑 New Moon

  • 🌓 Half Moon

  • 🌕 Full Moon

The Moon loves to change costumes!

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and seen a big, glowing circle smiling down at you? That’s the Moon, Earth’s closest space neighbor — and it’s full of surprises!

Let’s blast off and learn more 🚀

🌕 What Is the Moon?

The Moon is Earth’s natural satellite, which means it travels around our planet all the time. It doesn’t make its own light — it shines because it reflects light from the Sun.

Without the Moon:

  • Nights would be much darker 🌌

  • The oceans wouldn’t have tides 🌊

  • Earth would wobble more as it spins!

So even though it looks quiet, the Moon is very important.

Fun Moon Facts:

🌟 Fun Facts About the Moon

🌕 The Moon is about ¼ the size of Earth
👣 Astronauts have walked on it — and left footprints that may last millions of years!
🧀 The Moon is not made of cheese (sorry!)
🚀 You could jump 6 times higher on the Moon than on Earth
🌍 The same side of the Moon always faces Earth — the other side is called the far side
🌕 They used to think there was only one moon, until Galileo found satellites orbiting around Jupiter.  He also called them moons, after our own moon.
🌍 Outside of Earth, the moon is the only other place humans have visited.  American Astronaut, Neil Armstrong, was the first man to land on the moon on, July 20, 1969; a great day for humankind!

🧠 Mini Moon Quiz!

1. Does the Moon make its own light?
A) Yes
B) No

2. About how long does it take the Moon to change its shape (cycle)?
A) One day
B) One week
C) One month

3. True or False: Astronauts have been to the Moon.

Answers:

  1. B 2) C 3) True ✅

Great job, space explorer! ⭐

🚀 A Moon Adventure You’ll Love

What if the Moon wasn’t just a place in the sky…
What if it was the start of a BIG adventure?

In Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace, the Moon is the very first stop on an incredible space journey.

Amelia is celebrating her 8th birthday when she unwraps a very strange present. Inside is Uglesnoo, an alien from Pluto! 😲

✨ If you love space, aliens, and brave heroes, Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures is a perfect series for curious readers ages 6–10 — blending real space facts with imagination and fun.

Ready for liftoff? 🚀🌕

Click to find out more!

Next post: Fun facts about the planet Venus.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace, Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage and Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon.  These are the first three books in, Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures, an
exciting series of ten books set in outer space (for children ages 6-10).
Ever wondered if aliens exist? What if one needed your help? Would you travel into outer space?

Now Available!
Book Three: Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon

COVER-ATMATEC low 

Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury.  They meet the Merballs, the friendly aliens that live there.  All goes well until an asteroid hits their planet.  Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in deep trouble.  How will they convince the Merballs
of their innocence?  And how will they manage to collect the flying shoes, escape Mercury and continue their quest to save Uglesnoo’s sister?

To preview and/or buy the book, click below:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

 Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Read this book and over 1 million other books with Kindle Unlimited.

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire PalaceAmelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

Read this book and over 1 million other books with Kindle Unlimited.

Best Books for Children, Ages 4-7. Koala Lou  by Mem Fox.  Illustrated by Pamela Lofts:Oldies, but Goodies!

best books, children, kids

Koala Lou

Best Books for Children, Ages 4-7. Koala Lou  by Mem Fox.  Illustrated by Pamela Lofts:Oldies, but Goodies!

This is THE absolute best book for sibling dethronement!  When my eldest daughter had to contend with a baby sister sopping up all the exclusive attention that used to be all hers, this was the book that she turned too…frequently!

Koala Lou tells the story of the firstborn, missing the care of her mother whose time is now occupied by many other baby koalas.  Fearing that her mother no longer loves her, she decides to enter the gum tree climbing competition in the bush tree Olympics, in order to gain back her mother’s attention.  Pamela Lofts delicate and beautiful illustrations wonderfully depict the exotic wildlife and scenery of the Australia outback.

Koala Lou trains and trains…but it is not enough to win the competition.  After coming in second, she runs off crying.  But her mother finds her and hugs her for the longest time while telling her, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!  I always have, and I always will.”  It’s a beautiful message from a parent to a child.  That no matter what they are loved, always and unconditionally.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia. the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

 

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

 

Here is a photograph of Uglesnoo’s home planet, courtesy of NASA’s New Horizons Spacecraft: Uglesnoo is the friendly alien in Amelia’s Amazing Adventure Series.

best books, children, kids, planets, Pluto, solar system, space

Pluto and Charon seen by the New Horizons spacecraft on July 13

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

 

Best Books for Children, Ages 8-12. The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann: Oldies, but Goodies!

ages 8-12, best books, children, kids, planets, solar system, space

The Animals of Farthing Wood, by Colin Dann

Animals of Farthing Wood

I read this book when it first came out in 1979. Yes, I am that old! My daughter was skeptical when I handed her a copy to read, but soon became completely engrossed.

An early environmental tale, The Animals of Farthing Wood is the story of a group of woodland animals whose home is threatened with destruction by bulldozers. Led by Badger, the animals plot their escape. Many trials and near misses mark their way to a new home. The plot is engaging, the animal characters heartwarming and you bond with them, as they do with each other,  on their perilous journey to a new home.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

 

Best Books for Children, Ages 5-8. The Amelia Jane Series: Oldies, but Goodies!

ages 5-8, best books, children, kids, planets, solar system, space, , , , ,

Amelia Jane Series

Best Books for Children, Ages 5-8  Oldies.  The Amelia Jane Series: Oldies, but Goodies!

Ready for some nostalgic childhood memories?  The Amelia Jane series by Enid Blyton is a good place to start.  These simply written books have delighted children for generations.  My daughters adored all the books in the series, as did I as a child.  Children love the mischievous ways of Amelia, a very naughty doll in a nursery full of other toys, all far better behaved.  These books transitioned my youngest daughter – with many mischievous tendencies of her own- into reading chapter books by herself; with a lot of giggling at Amelia’s antics along the way!

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

 

Top Five Best Counting Books for Children, Ages 2-5

ages 2-5, best books, children, counting books, kids, planets, solar system, space, Uncategorized

Ten Apples

1. Ten Apples up on Top by Dr. Seuss. Illustrated by Roy Mckie

This fun book introduces a lion, a tiger and a dog as they begin to challenge each other to a game of balancing and counting apples.  “You can do three but I can do more.”  Kids love the animals, the silliness of the prose and the competitive fun.  Which animal can balance the most apples, whilst engaging in the most outrageous stunt?

2. Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

This sturdy board-book is an instant visual attraction with its bright plastic lady bugs and beautiful illustrations.  The tactile nature of the ladybugs was always a hit with my daughters, when they were pre-schoolers.  The story commences with ten ladybugs and its melodic prose invites readers to keep turning the pages.   The countdown begins!

3.  Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk

Our family loved this beautiful rhyming story of the sociable Miss Spider’s desire to have fellow insects over for tea and cakes.  A simple counting theme (1-12) introduces the wary bugs.   Aware of the spider’s predatory nature, they shun her, until her amiable florivore personality is revealed.  Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet ending make this a very enjoyable book.

4. Chicka, Chika, 123 by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson. Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

This is another rhyming book in the same style as, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom; the winning ABC book.  The rainbow colors and bright illustrations are also present here.  But this time it is numbers, instead of letters in a race to the top of an apple tree. A swarm of bumblebees threaten the newly arrived numbers.  There is also an additional subplot with the sad zero, who becomes a hero when he leads the letters back up the tree.  Counting is by 1-20, then in 10’s, until 100 is finally reached.  The maths is a little confusing at times for this age group.  But this book, like its alphabet companion, is still great fun!

5. Richard Scarry’s Best Counting Book Ever by Richard Scarry

Willy Bunny is encouraged to practice counting by his father.  So begins this long book, full with the fun and detailed illustrations that we have come to associate with Richard Scarry.  On every page there is something different to count.  Mr.  Scarry also introduces basic adding concepts, in addition to the basic counting menu.  I find that children are drawn to his comforting pictures and enjoy discovering the different objects to count on each page.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

 

Top Five Books For Children, Ages 8-12

ages 8-12, best books, children, kids, planets, solar system, space

The Secret Garden

1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

This book is a secret delight.  The imperious orphaned Mary joins her sickly cousin Colin, in a moldering house in North Yorkshire. It is wonderful to see young readers slip into a long ago, slower paced world, but one that is so rich in detail.  The children marvel at the discovery of the secret garden. As the plants blossom Mary and Colin do too, shedding off old skins of grief and isolation.

2. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling 

The seven books in this series need no introduction.  Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogwarts – the school for witchcraft and wizardry- are now a firm part of the landscape of children’s literature.   J.K. Rowling is a gifted storyteller with an incredible imagination.  The memorable characters, page turning adventures, epic themes of good versus evil and above all a lightness of touch, all make this series a compulsive read.

3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan 

Another incredible series that take the amazing stories of Greek Mythology, set and update them in the modern world.   Also, fantastic for young children to learn about the rich world of Greek mythology.  This source of knowledge will be later greatly appreciated as they study English literature and poetry (riddled as it is with mythological allusions).  Young Percy discovers he’s the son of the Greek god Poseidon.  This discovery initiates a series of electric paced adventures that culminate in young Percy aiding the Gods of Olympus in the defeat of an ancient enemy.

4. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

The delightful tale of a curious Alice, a talking rabbit and the fall into a surreal wonderland continues to enchant. We are introduced to fanciful talking creatures, a disappearing cat with an alarming grin and a bloodthirsty, temperamental Queen.  Alice encounters many frustrations in wonderland.  Her size constantly changes, based on what she eats or drinks.  Logical responses to situations are met with ridiculous replies.  In this most symbolic dream Alice explores the challenges and frustrations of an opening world, as she prepares to leave her childhood behind.

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 

Roald Dahl introduces us to a marvelous cast of characters.  There is the wacky Mr. Willy Wonky, the tiny Oompa Loompas and the winners of the golden ticket!  Mr. Wonka has a hidden goal in allowing the children to tour his magical chocolate factory for the first time.  But readers will have to wait until the end of the book to find out why.  A wonderful cast of eccentric and obnoxious characters, all the candy you could imagine and many adventures along the way.  This is every child’s daydream!

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/