"MISSION CONTROL, THIS IS APOLLO: The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon" by Andrew Chaikin, illustrated by Alan Bean, Viking Children's Books, $23.99 (ages 8-12)

This highly visual encyclopedia of information about the Apollo missions is a treatment for all ages. Included are sections on the space program, how astronauts are trained and selected for journeys and lots of space-walk terminology. The minutiae confronting the astronauts are interwoven throughout, such as types of clothing, how food is prepared and the difficulties of using a bathroom in space. The hundreds of photographs are well-planned, but what takes this above the other books are the full-color paintings by Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean, who includes real moon dust in his paintings.

"LOOK TO THE STARS" by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor, Putnam, $17.99 (ages 6-8)

Written by one of the first two men to walk on the moon, this is Buzz Aldrin's second collaboration with artist Wendell Minor ("Reaching for the Moon"). "Look to the Stars" not only traces the history of the NASA missions but also looks at early views of the universe, man's early attempts at flight and the development of the first rockets. The final section projects the future of space travel, especially the possibility of a man-walk on Mars. A more concise text makes this appropriate for primary-grade readers.

"ONE GIANT LEAP" by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer, Philomel, $16.99 (ages 6-8)

This poetic-like tribute to the moon landing is a nice addition to any child's library. Mike Wimmer's ethereal oil paintings are stunning and bring a subdued quality to a heroic event in history.

"REGARDS TO THE MAN IN THE MOON" by Ezra Jack Keats, Viking Children's, $15.99 (ages 5-8)

A re-issue of a classical picture book about a boy with lots of imagination, this book transports readers to different worlds through text and fun illustrations.

"ONE SMALL STEP: Celebrating the First Man on the Moon" Jerry Stone, Roaring Brook, $24.95 (ages4-8)

This interactive book in scrapbook format includes stickers, replicas, mission patches, foldout newspaper pages, collecting cards, removable novelties and more.

E-mail: jharrison@desnews.com; marilou.sorensen@att.net