Readers are taken on an imaginary space mission to explore the far side of the Moon for the first time in human history.

In this adventure into deep space, readers will be the first astronauts to set foot on the far side of the Moon, where the light is low, temperatures are extreme and the surface is pitted with craters that are so deep they have never been exposed to sunlight. What lies within may reveal incredible secrets about our universe, and provide a stepping stone to Mars and beyond...

Illustrated in a dreamy science-fiction style, Explore the Far Side of the Moon places readers in the moon boots of a mission specialist, appointed to undertake the first crewed mission to the far side of the Moon in human history.

With an introduction by planetary scientist Dr Sheila Kanani, the book starts by introducing the reader to their fellow crew members, providing guidance on what to pack, what to wear and how to prepare a space rocket for lift-off (not to mention an all-important briefing on how to go to the toilet in zero gravity). From there, readers will discover how to enter lunar orbit and dock at the brand new lunar space station where they'll be stationed. Mission specialists will then strike out alone to land a spacecraft on the lunar surface, and embark on their exploration of the Lunar South Pole.

Published in anticipation of NASA’s launch of Artemis III, which will take the first woman and first person of colour to the Moon, the book will feed off the excitement of a new era of lunar missions.

'An invitation to catch the next wave of crewed moon landings… Prospective astronauts will come away with a good sense of how such an expedition will be equipped and how it would run from liftoff to splashdown… Enticing glimpses of near-future return to space exploration' - Kirkus Reviews
'This friendly, fact-filled, abundantly illustrated book invites young readers to check out all the steps involved in being one of the astronauts selected for a mission to explore the far side of the moon... Accessible... Humorous comments along with fascinating facts and colorful illustrations also maintain interest... Highly recommended for its interesting information and illustrations, this is a book to read on repeat to build a strong understanding' - School Library Journal

Jenny Jacoby is a writer and editor from East London, with a passion for making information fun. She specializes in writing on STEM topics for children, and is the author of the Everyday STEM series, The Encyclopedia of STEM Words and Cool Engineering. Lea Woo is an illustrator based in Shanghai with a degree from the Edinburgh College of Art. Her clients include Burberry, Wallpaper* magazine and Penguin, among others. Dr Sheila Kanani MBE is a British planetary scientist, teacher, author and STEM ambassador. She is the Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer at the Royal Astronomical Society and was awarded an MBE for services to astronomy and diversity in physics.