Aerospace veteran Brett Hoffstadt to read his “Good Night Moonrise” book and inspire young explorers
Families looking to celebrate the wonders of space exploration this weekend have a special opportunity in Historic Folsom, where Ruby’s Books will host a unique International Moon Day event featuring local author and aerospace industry veteran Brett Hoffstadt.
The event takes place this Sunday, July 20, marking the 56th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, when Neil Armstrong made his iconic first steps on the lunar surface. With renewed efforts by multiple nations and private companies to return humans to the moon, International Moon Day has gained traction in recent years as a day to inspire a new generation of explorers.
To join in the global celebration, Ruby’s Books will welcome families from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for moon-themed games, activities, and a special reading of Hoffstadt’s children’s book Goodnight Moon Base. The Folsom-based author created the bedtime story to encourage curiosity and imagination about future moon settlements through lyrical rhymes and engaging watercolor illustrations by fellow aerospace veteran Steven Tanaka.
“Within the next two to five years, I’m confident we will see people walk on the moon again,” Hoffstadt said. “This will inspire millions of kids to dream about the potential of humanity in the cosmos and join in these efforts, just as the Apollo lunar missions did in the 1960s—so why not start that dreaming now?”
The illustrations in Goodnight Moon Base offer a whimsical yet technically grounded vision of life on the moon, featuring realistic elements of engineering, architecture, and science—blended with toys and childlike wonder to create a story that resonates with readers of all ages.
Stacy Gould, owner of Ruby’s Books, emphasized the value of bringing science and storytelling together for the community. “We’re thrilled to host Brett Hoffstadt for International Moon Day and share Goodnight Moon Base with our community,” she said. “Events like this spark imagination and help kids see themselves as future scientists, explorers, and changemakers. It’s a perfect blend of storytelling, science, and inspiration, and we’re honored to be part of it.”
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to arrive early for seating. Ruby’s Books is located on Sutter Street in the heart of Historic Folsom.
For full event details, visit the official Ruby’s Books event page.
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