When the Moon Sleeps, Do You Think He Dreams?: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a batch of silky, crumbly moon dough for a wonderful sensory experience. Your child can pretend they are on the moon, sculpting the planets it visits in its dreams.

Instructions:

1. Combine 8 parts flour to 1 part oil in a large bowl (e.g., 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup oil).

2. Mix with your hands until the ingredients are fully combined and the dough holds its shape when squeezed.

3. To make colored planets, separate the dough into smaller bowls and add a few drops of different food coloring to each.

4. Knead the color into the dough until it's evenly distributed.

5. Set out the dough on a play mat or tray and have fun sculpting the moon and different planets!

You will need:

• All-purpose flour

• Baby oil or vegetable oil

• Food coloring

• Large mixing bowl

Turn your child's bedroom into a planetarium with this simple craft. Project stars onto the ceiling and imagine you're traveling through the night sky with the moon.

Instructions:

1. Cut a circle from the black paper that is slightly larger than the end of the cardboard tube.

2. Use a push pin to carefully poke holes in the paper circle, creating a star pattern.

3. Place the paper circle over one end of the tube and secure it tightly with a rubber band.

4. Go into a dark room, turn on the flashlight, and shine it through the open end of the tube.

5. Aim the projector at a wall or ceiling to see your constellations appear!

You will need:

• Cardboard tube (from paper towels or toilet paper)

• Black paper

• Push pin

• Rubber band

• Flashlight

A fun mix of science and surprise! Create fizzing 'planets' that, when combined with vinegar, erupt in bubbles to reveal a hidden treasure inside.

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, slowly add a small amount of water to baking soda until you have a thick, packable paste.

2. Add food coloring to make your planets colorful.

3. Take a small toy and pack the baking soda mixture firmly around it into a sphere.

4. Let the planets dry and harden for a few hours or overnight.

5. Place a dried planet into a clear dish and let your child pour vinegar over it to watch it fizz and discover the surprise inside!

You will need:

• Baking soda

• Food coloring

• Small space-themed toys or marbles

• Vinegar

• A large clear bowl or baking dish

Create a beautiful piece of art inspired by the book's dreamy illustrations. Use a magic crayon and watercolors to paint a galaxy where the moon and stars shine through.

Instructions:

1. On the watercolor paper, press firmly and draw a moon, planets, and stars with the white crayon.

2. Using a wet paintbrush, cover the paper with dark colors like blue, purple, and black, painting right over your crayon drawings.

3. Watch as the crayon magically 'resists' the paint, keeping the drawings white.

4. While the paint is still very wet, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the surface.

5. Let the painting dry completely to see the beautiful, starry texture the salt creates.

You will need:

• Watercolor paper

• Watercolor paints

• White crayon

• Table salt

• Paintbrush and water cup

Encourage endless storytelling and imagination with a 'Dream Jar'. Each night, pull out a new prompt and create a unique bedtime story together about the moon's adventures.

Instructions:

1. Decorate the jar with stickers and give it a label, like 'Moon's Dream Adventures'.

2. Brainstorm ideas for the moon's dreams: places to go (a candy planet), characters to meet (a friendly alien), things to do (play hide-and-seek with a comet).

3. Write each idea on a separate slip of paper.

4. Fold the papers and fill the jar.

5. Before bed, let your child pick one slip. Use that idea as the starting point to co-create a brand new bedtime story.

You will need:

• A clean jar with a lid

• Slips of paper

• Pen or markers

• Space-themed stickers (optional)