Raccoon on the Moon and Other Tales

Usborne Phonics Readers

by Russell Punter, David Semple

A collection of six funny stories, each told with rhythmic text and phonic repetition specially designed to develop essential language and early reading skills. Suitable for reading aloud or beginner readers. Guidance notes at the back explain how parents can help their children get the most out of this book. The six stories are: Llamas in Pajamas, Goat in a Boat, Raccoon on the Moon, Bug in a Rug, Kangaroo at the Zoo, and Mole in a Hole.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Space

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read about the adventures of a Raccoon as he visits the moon. There are lots of examples of onomatopoeia which help to emphasise key parts of the story along with the colourful illustrations. The story is also about friendship and looking out for each other as Zack and Zip the aliens helps Raccoon, this could lead to PSHE and circle time discussions about being a good friend. There is rhyme throughout so it would be good for children to practice applying their phonics knowledge. It's quite a short book and the rhyme helps to maintain pace so it would also be a good read aloud class story.

[Lev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that everybody cheered for him when he came back to earth, but the goose said "Prove it! Did you bring something from space?" And then the raccoon heard a voice and it was Zach the alien.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story of raccoon going to the moon and the help he needs to get back home. Fun read with doubters back home. Your children will enjoy it. Well, at least, I did.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read with new vocab and great illustrations. The end was a bit abrupt, but there were fun phonics and rhyming throughout. It was a bit difficult for my mentee (who has been speaking English only 6 months), but we ploughed through. He LOVED the bit when the goose said, "Foolish raccoon!" He laughed and laughed and kept going back to that page. It was lovely to see him enjoy it so much, even though the reading level was difficult for him.

[Mari Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Raccoon is on a mission! He wants to go to the moon and although he has some haters in his friend group, he reaches his dreams anyway. He crash-lands on the moon and meets an alien that helps him fix his ship. When the raccoon comes back to earth, a goose wouldn't believe he actually went without proof. That is when the alien friend comes out of the raccoon's ship and surprises everyone. Silly read, and beautiful illustrations. Definitely recommend for young readers.

[Ahlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because the raccoon went to the moon and some people helped him because his rocket broke, then somebody came with long stretchy hands and helped him fix his rocket and another friend came and fixed his rocket and then they had fun together and then the raccoon went back to the world with the friend who called his other friend.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and quick read for bedtime with good rhyming. If I have to pick a book for bedtime these are more fun for me to read to my daughter because of the rhyming.

[Brooke Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an amazing way to introduce children to phonics! Definitely a great picture book with rich colors!

[Tiffiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and great illustrations!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice rhymes in this one, and comeuppance for a rude goose.

[Talea · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves these books as she learns to read. This one was no different.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[barbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One if the cutest easy reader books I’ve read.

[Lex Redding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little adventure for raccoon.

[Emma-Jayne Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduces the ‘oo’ sound to children in a lovely way that they be able to recognise it for themselves. Rhyming and alliteration also included to help with phonemic awareness.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to being able to practice phonics skills, several of these allow good predictions practice.

[Mom_reading_childrens_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the whole series, fun illustrations and delightful to read aloud.

[Swarna Ramnath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on phonics and talks about a raccoon who goes to moon and brings back Zack to earth by mistake.

[Heather]

I would use this book to develop an understanding of word sounds, like “oo” in “Kanaroo in the Zoo” or “ah” in “Llamas in Pajamas” stories.

[Hunter Kleinow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these books during Kindergarten reading groups and the students really love them. The best part about these books is how they rhyme, have good word choice, and use really interesting illustrations. These books are somewhat of a series and they follow the same recognizable style that the students like. I feel that the characters are relatable and students begin to see them in the background illustrations of the other books in this series.

[Simac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different edition, from this set https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute, and worked really well as part of my "Blast Off!" storytime. Overall, I thought the story was fun (and the illustrations were great!), but I wasn't so sure about the ending. It felt a little...flat. Not a huge problem, but I do wish it had been a little different.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this collection of phonics books. The characters are great, my kids love them!

[PAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! It’s pretty great for kids. Love the rhyming. Enjoy!