THE MOON TONIGHT

Wonder at the changes in the moon’s appearance over the course of a month.

In this welcome title, a Korean astronomer who also writes for young readers offers a comprehensive explanation of the changing phases of the moon. In clear, relatively simple words, he begins by describing the moon’s light as a reflection from the sun. He goes on to show that the moon’s waxing, waning, and apparent disappearance depend on how much of the sunlit side of the moon can be seen from Earth. In smaller print below the main text, the author offers more detailed information about when the moon rises and sets for each phase, accompanied by illustrations. Jung then invites readers to experiment with a flashlight and a ball to see how this works. He shows how the gravity of the sun and moon affect Earth’s tides and briefly touches on lunar calendars. The text, translated from Korean by Morris, is smooth, but at one point the waxing crescent moon “rises in the early evening”—technically an incorrect statement, as moonrise refers to when the moon rises over the horizon, not when it becomes visible in the sky. The smaller print correctly states that the moon follows the sun to rise in the early morning but, hard to see in the sunlight, becomes visible only after dark. Lovely sepia night scenes, instructive thumbnail images of each phase of the moon at different times of the day and night, and helpful diagrams add to the package. An Asian-presenting adult and child can be seen throughout observing the moon.

Beautifully illustrated and carefully explained, this is an attractive, helpful addition to the science shelf.