If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas

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If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas

February 8, 2017 by margaretsmn

Before you begin to read If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas, turn this music on in the background.

Illustrated in dreamlike images by Jaime Kim, Laura takes us on a journey of discovery about the moon. In the beginning, the young girl muses on how easy the moon’s job is, but the moon explains. “If you were the moon, you would…” Along with delightful metaphor are embedded facts from how the moon was formed to Neil Armstrong’s iconic walk. Artists are inspired by the moon. Hence the musical piece, “Clair de Lune.” I remember listening to my mother play this on the grande in our living room.
A glossary and further reading section make this book teacher-friendly.

I often use picture books to lead my students to their own writing. I can imagine prompting my students with the words “If you were _________.” Students could research their favorite planet or natural disasters (my students love them!). Then they could write and illustrate their own books including interesting facts along the way. Finding a way to tie a book to writing enriches the classroom experience.

Laura sent me this amazing teacher’s guide written by Randi Miller Sonnenshine. This guide includes activities across the curriculum.

If You Were the Moon releases March 1st, 2017. Get your copy today!

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged If You Were the Moon, Laura Purdie Salas | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on February 8, 2017 at 3:06 pm | Reply lindabaie

I reviewed this wonderful book today, too, Margaret. It’s another treasure from Laura. Nice to read your words!
on February 8, 2017 at 4:39 pm | Reply michelle @ books my kids read

I am putting this review up the first week of March to coincide with its release. I was so pleasantly surprised by this one. It is so much more than a pretty picture book!
on February 8, 2017 at 5:27 pm | Reply Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer

This looks cute. I love nfpbs that can serve as read alouds.
on February 8, 2017 at 10:52 pm | Reply Leigh Anne

When we Skyped with Laura this summer at my writing camp, she talked about and I believe she even showed us the cover. This looks like a wonderful, wonderful book. I just want to kiss that moon on the cheek!
on February 8, 2017 at 11:49 pm | Reply annettepimentel

Love this writing prompt.
on February 9, 2017 at 1:58 am | Reply Michele

Love this book! So much you can do with this book.
on February 9, 2017 at 2:51 am | Reply mandyrobek

Thank you for sharing a sneak peek into what looks like a great edition to my library.
on February 9, 2017 at 3:08 am | Reply Kellee from Unleashing Readers (@kelleemoye)

I want this! Love the prompt and the music 🙂
on February 9, 2017 at 12:45 pm | Reply Laura Purdie Salas

Thank you, Margaret! I’m so glad you liked it. There’s always that little itch of doubt when I send a new book to educators I know. Will they like it? Will they find something wrong with it, etc. So, I breathed a sigh of relief after reading what you and Linda had to say:>) Thanks for linking to Randi’s awesome teaching guide, too!
on February 9, 2017 at 12:52 pm | Reply cvarsalona

Looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for sharing it.