Moon Tree

MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree

Written by Carolyn Bennet Fraiser
Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani

One tree has a secret – it flew to the moon on Apollo 14. The problem is no one remembers, even NASA…until a curious third-grade girl uncovers its mystery about a boy who dreamed of flying, a trip to the moon, and the American bicentennial.

“A small but ‘extraordinary’ episode, well worth the belated notice.”
– KIRKUS Review

A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
An SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner

ISBN: 9781478875970
Nonfiction Picture Book
Grade Level: 1-3

Take a peak inside…

Introduce MOON TREE to your classroom.

Moon Tree is the perfect blend of Science, Social Studies, and ELA/Literacy for the early elementary school classroom.

Science: Students can study the relationship between the earth and its moon as well as the life cycle of plants, from seed to germination to growth.

Social Studies: Students can discuss how events and individuals influence history and the context of historical events mentioned in Moon Tree. Teachers can also use the book to discuss various geographies across the country and how they affect plant growth.

ELA/Literacy: Teachers can use Moon Tree to conduct their own research projects about a local history topic or discuss the different poetic devices used throughout the book.

Feel free to download the School & Library Information Sheet, Field Trip Guide, or Moon Tree Listing below to get your classroom engaged in further discussion. Reycraft Books also created an incredible Teacher’s Guide for the classroom.

Current Events: In 2022, about 2,000 seeds from the original moon trees were harvested and flew to the moon on Artemis 1. In the fall and spring of 2024 and 2025, saplings from these Artemis Moon Trees are being distributed to schools, museums, libraries, forestry centers, and government buildings across the country. Download listing of Artemis Moon Tree Locations.

Interviews and Other Media:

Listen to my Podcast Interview with Nancy So Miller
on My Creative Life Podcast

Interview with Dr. Diane Jackson (Dr. Diane Adventures Podcast on 10/23/2024)
Interview with Nancy So Miller (My Creative Life Podcast on 6/4/2023)
Review and Interview with Carol Baldwin (3/16/2023)
Interview with Yolamari Garcia (Glitter Reviews on 2/27/2023)
Interview with Vijaya Bodach (11/8/2022)
Interview with Maria Marshall (Picture Book Buzz on 9/12/2022)
Interview with Vivian Kirkfield (9/1/2023)
Interview with Lydia Lukidis (Blissfully Bookish Blog on 8/24/2022)
Interview with Mary Boone (Boone Writes Blog on 8/16/2022)
Back Matter Breakdown with Judy Campbell Smith (8/18/2025)

Other Resources:

Download FIND Outdoors’ Moon Tree Fact Sheet
Download NASA’s Project VEGGIE Fact Sheet
Download The UK National Space Centre’s Plants in Space Poster
Explore the history behind your local tree on NASA’s Moon Tree Website
Discover STEM activities and resources for teacher on NASA’s Next Gem STEM
Download a FREE Coloring Sheet from FIND Outdoors: Moon Tree Coloring Sheet

Book a Classroom Visit

I am available to speak at schools, museums, libraries, homeschools, and other events. Click the link below to find out more information about availability and rates.

Get Your Copy of Moon Tree Today:

ReycraftBooks | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Support my local independent bookstore by ordering through Highland Books in Brevard, NC.

Got older students? Check out MOONS in the Our Solar System Series for struggling readers in middle and high school who love to learn about space. This book explores all the fascinating moons in our solar system.