Excellent book written by a former NASA flight controller with an undergraduate degree in physics. Illustrations are detailed and, where they illustrate future moon settlement, have that lovely science-fictiony look which would so have enthralled me as a child. The narrative is more detailed and accurate in the way it describes the physics of space flight than is usual for books directed toward this age range. The discussion of the chemical processes needed to build life-sustaining environments on the moon is excellent. The effects of radiation are discussed, concretely. A good children's book that does not absolutely downplay the dangers and discomforts of space exploration.

A disturbing aside about the damage done to the fingers of the Apollo astronauts through the force required to bend their fingers against the pressure of their gloves is something I've never heard before, but it's very hard to doubt.

The author has also co-authored with Buzz Aldrin a more recent book, "Welcome to Mars". It's hard to know if this indicates a change in the author's own opinion on which is the better destination, or not. Aldrin prefers Mars, hands down, but, of course, he is one of the few who has actually beee to the moon. ( )