Max Goes to the Moon: A Science Adventure with Max the Dog

by Jeffrey O. Bennett, Alan Okamoto (Illustrations)

Winner
2013 Science Communication Award, American Institute of Physics Max the Dog and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era, and their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony. From the colony, the views of Earth make everyone realize how small and precious planet Earth is. Along the way, the story sets the stage for more sophisticated science, featured in the 19 “Big Kid Box” sidebars that have been fully updated in this new edition, which cover topics including “Phases of the Moon,” “Wings in Space?,” and “Frisbees and Curve Balls on the Moon”—all thoughtfully explained so that grown-ups and children can learn together about science. Behind-the-scenes science lessons with activities round out this entertaining and educational picture book, the new edition of which is designed to accompany the new Max Goes to the Moon planetarium show, coming soon to planetariums around the world.

Genres: Space, Science, Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Chandler Jordahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Max, the dog, prepares for his journey and launches to the moon! Great integration of scientific facts into the text. I watched Astronaut Alvin Drew read this text aloud during his mission to space. While it was cool to hear the story read by a real astronaut, I was disappointed that I was unable to see any of the illustrations. When looking at a hard copy of the text, I noticed that the sidebars on each page provide great information. These focus on the tier 3 vocabulary words addressed in the text. Overall, I did not care for the story and thought it was a little dry, however I could see students who are interested in space enjoying it.

[Miranda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max the dog goes on many adventures to space to teach us about our universe. One of his adventures is to the moon. Max teaches us about what it is like leaving to the moon, the training he has to go through to get there, and the trip to space. He shows us what the moon looks like and tells us why it is important.

As you read, you will learn many fun facts about the moon, space, and how humans have advanced and gained knowledge about the moon.

[Stephanie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a dog name Max who went to the moon. The story talks about the experiences that Max went through during the moon. The author did a nice job of tying in science facts about space and the moon within the text. This allows for students to learn new information about the moon and allow for conversations to happen within the classroom.

[SaraKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun series about a space-exploring dog. Following him in this book, we learn about the history and future of moon exploration. There are two parts to the book. Younger readers will enjoy the main story line about Max and older readers will enjoy the sidebars included on each page that give more detailed information.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were really eye catching for children to read. I love how it explains a dog went up to the moon and caused an impact for the colonization of the moon. As well, in the sides of each page there was a box of information about the phases of the moon, gravity, and more that children can learn from.

[Tristan Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I loved this book! I am a sucker for a feel good story about dogs and this is about Max, a canine astronaut. This book tells the tale (tail?) of Max's astronaut training and subsequent journey to the moon. It's a feel good story that has a pup in it, what's not to love?

[Fritz Loehrke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and mix of science facts, but at the end it seems like the dog gets left alone on the moon with no explanation and my kid found that very upsetting.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max the dog is headed back to space visiting the moon for months and many experiments. Elementary and up

[Connor Krawczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that can be used in a classroom as a fun book to show what could happen if we colonized the moon.

[Thaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story!

[Kim Snaith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had to read this for a work project. The story isn't great, but the illustrations are gorgeous. Moonshot is a much better book if you're wanting to educate young children about space.

[Anna]

Read by Astronaut Mike Hopkins on the International Space Station, in a video from Story Time From Space

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Jeffrey Bennett, finds a way to lure children into the love of science by having Max the dog, go to the moon as an astronaut. Max and a young girl named Tori get to go to the moon and learn that nobody has gone to the moon since the first man stepped onto the moon and decide that needs to change. The book has a great blend of storytelling and accurate science facts about the moon and its' history. This book is recommended for grades second through sixth grade. The illustrations are captivating. There are many other Max the Dog Science adventures by Bennett.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly exciting storyline. However, the moon is one of my favorite space objects, so I'm inclined to rate this higher. I can see using this book to spark a child's interest in outer space, space travel/colonization, and dreaming big dreams.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, fun premise. Good information too.

[Melanie Martel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fiction story about a dog who travels to the moon. It offers colorful illustrations along with a good story line.

[Dom Conlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid, well researched book with beautiful illustrations. I couldn't get enthusiastic about this any more than I could with Max's other adventure but I'm still glad I read it.

[Dana Pressnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uncles info about moon and space but I didn't really care for the book personally.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little drab for adults but my [then] 5yo loved this book.

[Travis Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be used during a science lesson about space and Apollo 11.