The 6 Best Books About the Moon to Better Understand Our Celestial Neighbor

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: March 30, 2023
© bhcvn/Shutterstock.com

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Sometimes it’s only a sliver, sometimes it hides behind clouds, and other times it’s hefty, beaming so low in the sky it looks surreal. It cycles and the tides and wolves respond to it, recognizing its power. It’s such a part of your daily life that you may forget that when it’s dark outside, but you can still see, it’s because the moon is lighting your way. For those of you that moon gaze, spending time with your eyes toward the sky, you know just how mesmerizing it is.

You can explore lots of books about the moon and we highlight six of the best below. Follow along with an astrobiologist with the first book on the list who covers everything from the moon’s formation to the potential of future travel to the moon. Get the teenager in your life to love everything lunar by handing over a fiction novel about the moon. Try a guide that gives you 50 things to see on the moon and gives you instructions on how to spot them. We round out this list with more fact-filled guides and a book for women on how to understand moon cycles and themselves better.  

  1. Moon: An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow
    • 224 pages.
    • A presentation of the history of the moon.
    • Full of images and illustrations.
    Check Amazon
  2. The Magical Mermaid and the Moon: A Fairy Tale About How the Tides and Waves Began
    • 167 pages.
    • Recommended for readers ages 12 through 17.
    • A fantasy novel about an undersea kingdom and the moon.
    Check Amazon
  3. 50 Things to See on the Moon: A first-time stargazer’s guide
    • 80 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 5 through 7.
    • An educational book teaching about space and space terms.
    Check Amazon
  4. The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent Mysterious Moon
    • 149 pages.
    • A guidebook on all things moon-related.
    • Details facts about moon observation and lunar experiments.
    Check Amazon
  5. The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor
    • 240 pages.
    • A guide to all things lunar.
    • Written by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, an Honorary Research Associate at University College London’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
    Check Amazon
  6. Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon
    • 240 pages.
    • Written by Dr. Ezzie Spencer, who has a Ph.D. in therapeutic jurisprudence.
    • A relatively recent publication, first released in 2018.
    Check Amazon

#1 Best Overall: Moon: An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow by David Warmflash

The best overall book about the moon is An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow. It’s available in Kindle and hardcover formats and covers everything from the moon’s formation to the potential it holds for further human exploration. The book contains rich illustrations and covers 100 milestones in lunar history. As you navigate this book, you uncover dazzling images on each page. Dr. David Warmflash is an astrobiologist and the author of this book. The text he presents is illuminating.

The book begins by addressing the moon’s formation, which occurred 4.5 billion years ago. It covers the hypotheses of how the moon was formed and includes some sixth-century predictions of solar eclipses. You also learn about the lunar calendar systems and cults presented in the Bible. He goes on to explain how the brightness of the moon was used to approximate stellar distances. Dr. Warmflash goes on to address advancements in telescopes and how they permitted humankind to observe the moon in greater detail.

Customers rate this book 4.4 out of five stars. They appreciate that Dr. Warmflash blends practicality and aspiration in this work. They find the book tasteful, teeming with knowledge, and friendly, even to novices. The author and publishers had a clear focus on organizing this book well. Each page covers a new topic. One customer decided to pick up this book after he attended an expo where Dr. Warmflash spoke. He was fascinated by his speech and decided to delve further into this book. He feels that whoever receives this as a gift is sure to be very happy with it.

There were no critical reviews for this title.

Pros and Cons of Moon: An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow by David Warmflash

ProsCons
This book by astrobiologist Dr. David Warmflash is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.There were no critical reviews for this title.
It covers everything from the moon’s formation to the potential it holds for further human exploration.
The book contains rich illustrations and covers 100 milestones in lunar history.
Best Overall
Moon: An Illustrated History: From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow
  • 224 pages.
  • A presentation of the history of the moon.
  • Full of images and illustrations.
Check Amazon

2. Best Fiction for Teens: The Magical Mermaid and the Moon: A Fairy Tale About How the Tides and Waves Began by Angiah Harris

If you would like to explore a fiction book that incorporates the moon, check out The Magical Mermaid and the Moon by Angiah Harris. The story is about a mermaid daughter who explores the undersea kingdom belonging to her father, a mermaid king. He tells her, “No matter how dark it may seem, light finds a way to shine through.” Their kingdom is a peaceful place before the moon and tides come to fruition. Subjects thrive under their king and queen and of course, the mermaid princess. However, soon, a shocking betrayal roars through the kingdom and light ceases to exist.

Additionally, the songs that used to fill the streets are replaced by silence. The mermaid princess begins to experience despair and grief. She feels her world is falling apart and she has to dive deep into herself to ask difficult questions and challenge herself to use her voice to defeat the fear she feels. She has a few surprising encounters that teach her important lessons about hope, love, and forgiveness. As she continues on her journey toward freedom, both for herself and her people, she comes to discover a final truth. In order for her kingdom to return to what it once was, the entire world needs to change.

Customers rate this book 4.6 out of five stars. They refer to it as unforgettable. One customer has read it three times. Two of those times she read it for herself but then she read it to her five-year-old daughter the third time. She adores this work. She appreciates that it incorporates wisdom and honoring messages for readers of all kinds. Even though the reading age is for teens, she can’t get enough of the story. It’s descriptive and she could easily picture each scene in its brilliance. It’s a wonderful story for every age but especially for young adults.

There was only one negative review for this book: “I’m a huge reader. But this book, I think, was poorly written. I didn’t like how everything was so descriptive. It was almost like a rambling on and on. Good story line, but I found it very boring.”

Pros and Cons of The Magical Mermaid and the Moon: A Fairy Tale About How the Tides and Waves Began by Angiah Harris

ProsCons
This is a fiction book for young adults that incorporates the moon.A single reader thought that the book was too descriptive.
The main character is a mermaid princess who lives in her father’s kingdom where, ““No matter how dark it may seem, light finds a way to shine through.”
When the light fails to shine through, the mermaid princess feels like her world is falling apart and she has to challenge herself to defeat her fear.
She has a few surprising encounters that teach her important lessons about hope, love, and forgiveness. As she continues on her journey toward freedom, both for herself and her people, she comes to discover a final truth. In order for her kingdom to return to what it once was, the entire world needs to change.
Best Fiction for Teens
The Magical Mermaid and the Moon: A Fairy Tale About How the Tides and Waves Began
  • 167 pages.
  • Recommended for readers ages 12 through 17.
  • A fantasy novel about an undersea kingdom and the moon.
Check Amazon

3. Best for Stargazers: 50 Things to See on the Moon by John A Read

If you’re a stargazer, 50 Things to See on the Moon by astronomer John A Read belongs on your bookshelf. It’s available in hardcover and paperback formats but you can also purchase it in a Kindle version for instant download as well. This book, as you might guess from the title, covers 50 things to see on the moon! It’s an easy-to-find natural satellite and it’s always bright so you don’t need to go anywhere special to look at it.

The author selected the best things for you to see on the moon and organized them all by the phase the moon passes through. So, as the moon’s little slices become available throughout the month, you get to explore new craters, jagged mountain ranges, and even lunar seas. If stargazing and checking out the moon has always been a curiosity of yours and you’re ready to take that first step, pick up this book to start getting acquainted with the ever-bright space neighbor we call the moon.

Customers rate this book 4.7 out of five stars. They love that there is no fluff or filler in the book. The author says what he needs to say and leaves it at that. It’s a great introductory guide and you don’t even need a specific type of optical instrument. He writes in a way that’s super inclusive no matter how you’re choosing to view the moon. He always has a suggestion for you. It’s perfect for a curious person as much as it is for an inspiring scientist. There are tons of pictures, and you get clear instructions on what to look for and where.

There were only two negative reviews for this book. One reviewer said that the content was good, but they expected the book to be constructed better. Another had difficultly reading the book on their Kindle.

Pros and Cons of 50 Things to See on the Moon by John A Read

ProsCons
This book, which was written by astronomer John A Read, is available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle.One reviewer said that the content was good, but they expected the book to be constructed better.
It covers 50 things to see on the moon.Another reviewer had difficultly reading the book on their Kindle.
It’s organized by moon phases, so you can “explore” different features of the moon as they appear, including craters, jagged mountain ranges, and even lunar seas.
Best for Stargazers
50 Things to See on the Moon: A first-time stargazer’s guide
  • 80 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 5 through 7.
  • An educational book teaching about space and space terms.
Check Amazon

4. Best Fact-Filled: The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent Mysterious Moon by Kim Long

If you’re feeling more like you want to learn some fascinating facts about the moon, pick up The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent Mysterious Moon by Kim Long. This book is overflowing with tons of intriguing information! Any factual detail that you have thought about and many you haven’t considered yet is found within the pages of this book. It is the type of book to bring a wealth of information right to your fingertips. The author explores these fascinating facts in great detail yet the way he approaches each explanation and illustration is very easy to understand.

It’s a handy guidebook on everything moon-related from the tides to its different phases to eclipses and even a mini-history of moon observation. The book, which is only available in paperback, includes a summary of Apollo lunar experiments and it’s guaranteed to captivate anyone who has ever looked up at the moon and wondered more about it. It incorporates diagrams along with the text to help those of you who are more visual learners. The book covers the question of why the full moon appears larger on some days than on other days. It also covers how fast the moon’s shadow moves across the earth during an eclipse and it gives you some tips on finding the best internet sites for moon watchers.

Customers rate this book five out of five stars. They love that it incorporates tons of information along with some very helpful images. One customer says he has been studying astronomy for about 60 years and he owns over 350 books on cosmology and astronomy. He’s always connecting with other moon watchers over the internet and in person. This is a book he uses as a guide to help him answer the many questions that others ask him. He feels that every amateur astronomer should have this book on their bookshelf as well as anyone who just wants to learn some detailed facts about the moon.

There were no negative reviews for this book.

Pros and Cons of The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent Mysterious Moon by Kim Long

ProsCons
This book is filled with information about the moon explained and illustrated in an easy-to-understand manner.None
This guidebook explains everything moon-related, from tides to eclipses and even a brief history of moon observation.
It’s only available in paperback.
The book, includes a summary of Apollo lunar experiments and incorporates diagrams along with the text to help those of you who are more visual learners.
Find answers to questions like why the full moon appears larger on some days than on others and how fast the moon’s shadow moves across the earth during an eclipse.
This book also gives you tips on finding the best internet sites for moon watchers.
Best Fact-Filled
The Moon Book: Fascinating Facts about the Magnificent Mysterious Moon
  • 149 pages.
  • A guidebook on all things moon-related.
  • Details facts about moon observation and lunar experiments.
Check Amazon

5. Best Guide: The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock 

If you’ve caught yourself pondering about space tourism and the possibilities for something like that to happen in the near future, The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock is perfect for you. It’s available in Kindle, audio, and hardcover formats. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the author of this book, is a “British space scientist and space educator,” the type of person who ponders upon these questions too. People close to her refer to her as a “lunatic” because of her fascination with everything lunar-related. She wrote this book in a comprehensive way and it serves as a guide to the moon. It takes you on a journey to get to know your celestial neighbor, the moon.

She explores facts, folklore, and future plans. The book unravels in a systematic way. She first starts with some of the basics and unpacks topics like the moon’s topography and composition to how it orbits around the earth. You also get to take a look into history to track humankind‘s relationship with the moon. She touches on the different beliefs held by ancient civilizations, the first moon landing, and explains how moon gazing came about. She addresses how the moon has served as an influential entity that has impacted culture over the years. Then, she moves into future projections.

Customers rate this book 4.5 out of five stars. They feel it’s a good read that has valuable facts, and interesting data, and is enjoyable from cover to cover. One customer calls it, “A love story for the moon.” He appreciates that the author approaches the topic almost with a poet’s regard for words. He feels that her writing style embraces readers instead of intimidating them. Overall, they appreciate that this book goes beyond scientific explanations and educates readers in a fascinating way with lots of examples that help to clarify the concepts she presents.

While reviews for this title were overwhelmingly positive (90%), some reviewers said that the quality of the information and the quality of the paper were lacking.

Pros and Cons of The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock 

ProsCons
This book is available in Kindle, audio, and hardcover formats.Some reviewers said that the quality of the information and the quality of the paper were lacking.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the author of this book, is a “British space scientist and space educator.”
She wrote this book in a comprehensive way to serve as a guide to the moon, exploring facts, folklore, and future plans.
The author starts with the basics, such as the moon’s topography and composition to how it orbits around the earth.
She explores humankind’s relationship with the moon beginning with beliefs about the orb by ancient civilization, the first moon landing, and how the moon has influenced culture.
Then, she moves into future projections about the moon.
Best Guide
The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor
  • 240 pages.
  • A guide to all things lunar.
  • Written by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, an Honorary Research Associate at University College London’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Check Amazon

6. Best for Women: Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon by Ezzie Spencer PhD

Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon by Ezzie Spencer PhD is specifically for today’s women. It serves as a practical guide to cultivating joy, peace, and purpose using the phases of the moon. If you are seeking balance in both your professional and personal lives and want to look at the moon to gather its wisdom, this is a book worth exploring. It addresses the disconnect that happens in the current world where women feel out of touch not just with themselves but with others and society. This book offers a way for you to reconnect with yourself and everything around you.

The book demonstrates how you can tune into the natural rhythm of the way the moon ebbs and flows. You can create a connection with work, relationships, your own body, and your surroundings. You can become more productive and self-aware throughout this process. The book contains gorgeous photography to inspire you and has several interactive features throughout. It’s ultimately a guide to self-care that helps you call back your power and create a better life for yourself.

Customers rate this book 4.6 out of five stars. They see it as a key to tuning in to the moon’s natural cycles. For one customer, it became a friend. This friend has taught her how each cycle of the moon affects her body and her feelings. As she read this book, she started noticing that she has greater clarity regarding different aspects of her life. It holds a special place on her bookshelf. Another customer says that the book is stunning with full-color photography. It also includes several areas for reflective journaling, which is a nice touch!

Negative reviews said that the book was “full of fluff” and criticized the author for not being more inclusive of different races and gender identities.

Pros and Cons of Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon by Ezzie Spencer PhD

ProsCons
This book is specifically for today’s woman.Negative reviews said that the book was “full of fluff”
It serves as a practical guide to cultivating joy, peace, and purpose in your professional and personal life using the phases of the moon.Some reviewers criticized the author for not being more inclusive of different races and gender identities.
The book demonstrates how you can tune into the natural rhythm of how the moon ebbs and flows.
It includes stunning photography to inspire you and has interactive features throughout.
Best for Women
Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon
  • 240 pages.
  • Written by Dr. Ezzie Spencer, who has a Ph.D. in therapeutic jurisprudence.
  • A relatively recent publication, first released in 2018.
Check Amazon

Criteria: What to Look for in Books About the Moon

Fact vs. Fiction

Authors who write non-fiction books about the moon tend to have a more scientific approach, touching on all things moon in a very matter-of-fact way. The aim of these books is to serve as an educational resource you can keep coming back to. On the other hand, you may love all things lunar but prefer to appreciate it as a focal point in a fictional story. If that’s the case, a nice fiction novel centered around the moon can be the perfect accompaniment to your favorite tea or coffee during your downtime. When you have an affinity for the moon, any books about it are welcome. You can pick up non-fiction and fiction works to fill your personal library.

Writing Style

Every author has a unique approach to their writing. While non-fiction works can certainly sound dull, a good author knows how to create engaging text, even with some dryer aspects of a particular focus. Fiction novels should also be captivating page-turners that keep you fully present with each new line of text. If you find your mind drifting, it may not be the best writing style to keep your attention. When you’re not familiar with an author’s writing style, try to preview their writing to see if it’s the type of style you can connect with. If it’s not, just move on to another author to make sure you thoroughly enjoy your reading experience.

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The 6 Best Books About the Moon to Better Understand Our Celestial Neighbor FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Which is the first book written about the moon?

G. Wells wrote First on the Moon, a book about Neil Armstrong’s, Michael Collins,’ and Buzz Aldrin’s voyage to the moon. However, there are books that date back to 1870. For example, From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne.

What is the moon made of?

The moon is composed of different substances like iron, magnesium, silicon, titanium, mercury, aluminum, and silver.

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