If You Were the Moon, written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Millbrook, Thomas Allen & Son. 2017. $29.99 ages 4 and up

"Play dodgeball with space rocks.

{The moon would not be good at dodgeball, because it doesn't get out of the way of the meteorites crashing into it! All those collisions have pounded the top layer of the moon's crust into gray, powdery dust ... "

There is no need to remind you I admire everything Laura Purdie Salas writes! Check out her website at www.laurasalas.com to see each of her books and her many resources for children, their teachers, and other writers. It is full of terrific ideas and information, a link to her blog and much, much more ...

So, it comes as no surprise to me that her new book is a lively blend of poetry and nonfiction, sure to inform readers with all she has to share about the moon and the role it plays in our lives.  The little girl who calls to the moon with a wish to do nothing, expresses the opinion that she would then be just like the moon itself. The moon is quick to let her know what, in fact, she would do if she really were the moon!

"Hover near your mother.

{Scientists believe the moon formed 4.5 billion
years ago when a meteorite the size of Mars
collided with the newly formed Earth. Rock
from Earth and the meteorite splashed into
space, and the moon was born.}"

The rest of the book is a series of benefits and mysteries provided by the moon and little known to many of us. The nonfiction text is provided in a different font, giving full meaning to its many attributes. There is so much here to learn, even addressing the many inspirations the moon provides for artists and the people of the world. Jaime Kim has created dazzling, moonlight-filled artwork using acrylic paints and digital techniques. The moon's phases, with its smiling face and the Earth's look of surprise, is one of my favorites. Young readers will quickly find their own in this vibrant and informative introduction to something so familiar in the night sky.

Backmatter includes a glossary for unfamiliar terms, and well as a list for further reading.

I wonder what Ms. Salas will next consider. Can't wait to see.