To the Moon and Back

To the Moon and Back explores Australia's contributions to space exploration and lunar science, combining historical facts with engaging moon-related content. The book covers the role of Australian scientists, engineers, and facilities in major space missions. The text examines key developments in space technology and Australia's space tracking stations, particularly focusing on their involvement in NASA missions. Information about the moon's features, phases, and scientific characteristics is woven throughout the narrative. Jackie French and Bryan Sullivan present complex scientific concepts in an accessible format for young readers. The book includes photographs, diagrams, and illustrations to support the educational content. This award-winning work celebrates Australian achievement while inspiring scientific curiosity, demonstrating the global nature of space exploration and humanity's enduring fascination with the moon.

Readers describe an emotional tale that helps children process grief and loss while celebrating resilience. The book resonates with both children and adults who have experienced a parent's death. Readers liked: - Simple language that explains complex emotions - The connection to the Apollo 11 moon landing as a metaphor - Integration of real historical events - The illustrations' soft, comforting style Readers disliked: - Some found it too sad for very young children - A few noted the space theme might confuse some kids Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (92 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.7/5 (43 ratings) Review quotes: "Helped my 6-year-old understand her feelings after losing her dad" - Amazon reviewer "The perfect balance of factual and emotional storytelling" - Goodreads reviewer "Beautiful book but have tissues ready" - Goodreads reviewer The book resonates most with readers ages 6-10 who are dealing with loss.

One Small Step by David Hill Chronicles a teenage girl's experience during the Apollo 11 moon landing through her work at a radio telescope facility in Australia.

The Honeyman and the Hunter by Neil Grant The story follows an Indian-Australian boy who connects with his heritage while navigating family relationships in a coastal Australian town.

The Stars We Steal by Alexa Donne A retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion set in space combines historical romance with futuristic space exploration.

Satellite by Nick Lake A teenager born on a space station must adjust to life on Earth while uncovering truths about his origins and family connections.

The Space Between by Meg McKinlay Set in 1969, a young girl processes grief and family changes against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 mission.

🌟 Australia's Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station played a crucial role in transmitting the first images of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969. 🌟 Jackie French has written over 200 books and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to children's literature. 🌟 The Parkes Radio Telescope in New South Wales, featured in the book, is one of the world's largest movable radio telescopes and is still actively used in space research today. 🌟 The Apollo 11 moon landing broadcast reached approximately 600 million viewers worldwide, with Australian facilities providing coverage to about 200 million of those viewers. 🌟 The Woomera Test Range in South Australia, discussed in the book, was once the world's second-busiest launch site after Cape Canaveral in the United States.