This Saturday is the second total lunar eclipse of 2011!  These wonders of the sky make you realize why we are all so fascinated with the stars and planets surrounding us.  For generations we’ve gazed up, dreaming of what is out there; they’ve inspired stories and artwork, and even the innovation and spirit to explore them firsthand.  Since we can’t go to the moon ourselves – yet – we were inspired to share just some books we can think of that have a title, character or at the very least a scene inspired by the moon.  Enjoy!

• Goodnight Moon is an essential when discussing moon-inspired books.  This charming story from Margaret Wise Brown is loved by children everywhere.
• Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry takes us on a journey through space.
• The moon makes an appearance as a character in Frangoline and the Midnight Dream by Clemency Pearce.
• Do you remember that the first image in The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is a moon?
• We can’t forget the wonderful Professor Lupin from the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.  He’s the kind of werewolf we’d like as a friend.
• This summer I enjoyed reading Cleopatra’s Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter.  It tells the story of Cleopatra’s daughter who was frequently referred to as the moon.
• In Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer, the moon is actually knocked closer to the earth!

What’s your favorite moon-inspired read?

Image via Extrudedaluminiu