The Moon has always been a magical and mystical icon for people throughout history. It is the only natural satellite of Earth. It is the 2nd brightest object in the sky after the sun. Since prehistoric times, the Moon has been an object of fascination, awe, and even worship. July 20, 2009, is the 40th anniversary of the date that man first walked on the Moon. This special book combines the story of the preparation, journey, arrival, and landing of Apollo 11 with scientific information about the Moon and its influence on our culture through music, theater, literature, and more. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 4-6-Jam-packed with information, this colorful oversize volume chronicles the race to land a person on the Moon. Alternating chapters describe Moon mythologies and superstitions, the history of astronomical study, and the efforts involved in launching a lunar expedition, each of which is given a keyed label on the contents page. The photographs pop with color and action, and provide insight into such everyday activities as the astronauts eating breakfast contrasted with the massive machinery required to put them into space. The chapters on mythology use art reproductions from many cultures across the centuries to show the worldwide and timeless fascination with the Moon, including science-fiction movies. The invaluable contribution of Muslim scientists is included in more than one of the "Moon Facts" chapters, which contrast the growth of scientific knowledge with lunar myths, stories, astrology, and science fiction. A one-page summary of Moon Facts provides quick reference, as does the Apollo Program time line. This book is similar to Jacqueline Mitton's Moon (DK, 2009), but its multicultural history will expand any collection.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information