Astronomy    Ancient cultures used myths to explain how constellations came to be. The constellation of Cassiopeia looks like the letter "W" in the sky. In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian queen. She was the wife of Cepheus and the mother of Andromeda. According to tradition, when she died, she was changed into the constellation that is named after her. Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books! Reviews 1001 Facts About Space Carole Stott and Clint Twist    Ever wanted to learn about the stars? This is the book. Know a kid who's interested in the planets? This is the book. Have a teen that is interested comets and asteroids? This is the book. If you want to know anything about space but don't feel like reading NASA's files, this is the book. While it may look small, about four and half inches square, it is packed with information. Each spread explains a different topic and is filled with illustrations that help to explain the text. It reads not like a scientific textbook but like a comic book with short passages and lots of graphics. The book is accessible to all ages because of the ingenious way the publisher has put it together. It is full of easy-to-understand graphs and interesting photos for upper elementary readers. The main text is easy to understand for middle readers and the captions and mini-text blocks perfect for high school readers. The book is also small enough to be portable, a trait most reference books lack. Interested in space? This is the book. A "DK Backpack Book." 2002, DK Publishing, Ages 9 to 16, $8.95. Reviewer: Heather Robertson ISBN: 0-7894-8450-1 Astronomy: The Study of the Universe Terry Mahoney    Astronomy is an exciting topic, and there are many good kids' books about the subject. This is one of the more general, giving a broad overview of the entire Universe. Each spread intoduces a new topic with a paragraph of general information. These topics range from what is astronomy, telescopes, constellations, the birth of a star, planetary giants and the sun. In addition, each spread includes between 6 and 12 other factoids accompanied with either an illustration or photograph. This provides for a rich visual tapestry, but not necessarily easy reading. This book is designed for perusing. There are many interesting facts, including the following about the Sun--energy from the sun is produced by hydrogen being converted into helium. Einstein had theorized that under certain conditions a small amount of matter can create a large amount of energy. In the case of the sun, this process creates so much energy that the temperature of the sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit at its core. This publication contains a glossary and Web links. 2002, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $22.00. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-8368-3229-9 Astronomy: Looking at Stars Susan Wills and Steven Wills    Astronomy may be the oldest science, and this volume describes seven of its most famous practitioners. Readers meet Claudius Ptolemy, who was the first astronomer to go beyond philosophy and into the realm of science, and William Herschel, who gazed beyond our solar system to the vastness of deep space. They meet all of the great ones who came between, visionaries such as Nicolas Copernicus and Galileo. Each chapter is devoted to a noted astronomer, and describes his life and the important work he did to further our knowledge of our universe. The reader truly gets to know the man behind the science. Also included in each chapter are sidebars with additional interesting facts and vocabulary defined. Some of the astronomers' original sketches and notes are reproduced. It is an important reference for middle-grade students seeking knowledge about astronomy and astronomers. The book is part of the "Innovators" series. 2001, Oliver Press, Ages 8 to 12, $21.95. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 1-881508-76-5 Born with a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story: Book 1 Jennifer Morgan Illustrated by Dana Lynne Andersen    The Universe tells its own story of how it came to be, teaching science while creating a sense of wonder about how it all began. Beginning with a tiny speck, the Universe grows and changes as the eons pass, until finally, the world as we know it materializes. Gorgeous illustrations accompany each step of the journey from tiny speck to the vastness of space, adding a visual feast to the tale. The last part of the book offers a more detailed and scientific explanation of the creation of the Universe. Also included is a glossary to explain technical terms, and an extensive list of resources for both children and adults wishing to study astronomy further. 2002, Dawn Publications, Ages 5 to 8, $9.95. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 1-58469-032-1 ISBN: 1-58469-033-X Carl Sagan Ellen R. Butts and Joyce R. Schwartz    Most of us have looked up at the stars and wondered about what goes on in space. Carl Sagan did the same thing as a little boy, but he was not content to simply wonder. He pursued the study of space throughout his childhood by reading science fiction and every piece of nonfiction about space that he could find. An exceptional student, Carl began high school at twelve and college at sixteen. He studied under the most famous astronomers at the University of Chicago, earning his Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics by age 25. Mars was Carl's great obsession; he wanted to know everything about it. As a member of the NASA team in the 1960s, Carl made important discoveries about the planets when he helped to develop and launch spacecrafts that could take photographs in outer space. He has looked for signs of life on other planets, never ruling out the possibilities. Through his books, television shows, and lectures, he sought to bring abstract scientific concepts to a level that anyone can understand. This is a very interesting biography that reads like a story. Color photos would have been more exciting than the standard black-and-white which are included. Nonetheless, young scientists will enjoy learning about this icon. 2001, Lerner Publications Company, $25.26. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Carol Lynch ISBN: 0-8225-4986-7 Deep Space Astronomy Gregory L. Vogt    Deep space has fascinated humans for thousands of years. At the time of Galileo, the universe was believed to consist of the earth, the sun, a comet or two, a few planets and a few thousand stars. Now scientists tell us there are 100 billion galaxies with 100 billion stars each. Although these numbers may sem almost meaningless, this book does a good job of presenting these concepts and the tools astronomers use in perspective. Astronomers study the universe by evaluating the electromagnetic spectrum. Objects in space are sending out many forms of light waves, and astronomers use various kinds of telescopes on earth and in orbit around the earth to collect this data. They then interpret this information to learn about how the universe began, its ultimate fate, how life began on the Earth, and many other questions. Well organized, concise and illustrated with numerous photographs, this book helps build a foundation for more sophisticated understanding of the current nature of astronomical inquiry into deep space. 1999, Twenty-First Century Books, $25.90. Ages 8 to Adult. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-7613-1369-9 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Choices, 2000; International Reading Association; United States Destination, Space Seymour Simon    This collection of full-page color photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope is accompanied by clear, detailed descriptions of the images in each photograph, providing context and identifying specific features. Much of the text brings the images down to earth, so to speak, such as the comparison of stars in a star cluster to "the lights of New York City from an airplane." Although some of the images are highly pixellated or missing segments, the significance of the photographs, such as one of a black hole, is clearly emphasized through the text. Other photographs, such as those of stars being born in the Eagle Nebula or of two galaxies colliding, are amazingly clear and startlingly beautiful. Although this is not intended as an introduction to astronomy, the stunning photographs of planets, galaxies, and supernovas may inspire young readers to pick up a more comprehensive guide to the celestial features they've glimpsed here. 2002, HarperCollins, Ages 7 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Norah Piehl ISBN: 0-688-16289-4 ISBN: 0-688-16290-8 Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Stars Joan Hinz    Astronomers have been trying to explain the mysteries of the stars for centuries, with varying degrees of success. Joan Hinz breaks through the scientific fog in this amazing book about the constellations. This beautifully illustrated book explores fifteen constellations. Detailed drawings show how the position of the stars fit together to create a figure. The Greek myth associated with each constellation is told in an easily understandable story format. Extra sidebars are used to add additional details. Hinz has done an incredible job of making this intimidating subject come alive for children and adults alike. It would come as no surprise if this were to become a textbook supplement for the study of astronomy at the elementary level. The only way to improve this terrific book would be to make it available as a hardbound edition since it will definitely get a lot of use. 2002, Whitecap Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Paulette Jackson ISBN: 1-55285-182-6 Earth   Dana Meachen Rau    Earth is our home and the planet we know best, however, we continue to learn more about the Earth every day. At one time, it was thought to be flat and the center of our solar system. The Earth is made mostly of rock like some of the other planets--Mercury, Venus and Mars. Unlike them however, the Earth's crust moves due to the 30 tectonic plates that comprise the crust. The Earth spins as it travels in space around the Sun. This trip around the Sun takes 365 days, what we call a year. Our Earth provides us with what we need to live, and Rau emphasizes that we need to take care of our home planet. With large photographs/illustrations and a simple layout to accommodate young readers, the "Our Solar System" series is a substantive first introduction to the planets. Many astronomy books for young readers are a hodgepodge of information; these provide a linear text that is easy to follow, with references appropriate for young students. 2003, Compass Point Books, Ages 6 to 10, $21.26. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-7565-0295-0 Earth, Sun, and Moon   Robin Birch    The Earth, Moon, and Sun form the most obvious astronomical system in the sky. They are an interesting system too, because the contrasts between them could not be starker. The Moon is a hunk of ancient and lifeless rock that would fit between New York and San Francisco with room to spare. The wet Earth is our home. The Sun is a star and so vast that a beam of light would take 11 seconds just to get around it. As an introduction to astronomy and geology, exploring the three would not be a bad start. This may not be the book with which to do it. Each page provides single image and focuses on a single fact. The facts are correct, but there seems to be no special order to them and some of the images can lead to odd notions about the relative sizes of things like the Earth and Sun or the thickness of the Earth's crust. While heavy reliance on stock photos is understandable from an economic perspective it results in a less engaging book. Illustrations come mainly from astronomical archives and photo houses. Photos are not reproduced very well and none of the illustrations are very engaging. Highlighted words appear in a twelve-word-long glossary. Part of the "Space" series. 2003, Chelsea Clubhouse, Ages 6 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Michael Chabin ISBN: 0-7910-6970-2 Galileo: Astronomer and Physicist Paul Hightower    The "Great Minds of Science" series provides about 100 pages of biographical information, followed by several activities that children can do to further understand the discoveries made by these individuals. Black and white illustrations of the scientists, their inventions/discoveries, laboratories, peers, and publications are presented. The text is clear and easy to understand; the pages contain lots of white space. With Galileo, readers will come away with the knowledge that Galileo was a man ahead of his time, who faced censorship, but continued his work in the face of adversity, with some recognition coming 350 years after his death. The activities presented at the end of the book need larger safety warnings of "adult supervision required." Chronology, bibliography, glossary and index. 1997, Enslow Publishers, Ages 9 to 15, $18.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 0-8949-0787-5 Best Books: Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Glow in the Dark Book of Space Nicholas Harris Illustrated by Sebastian Quigley    This is a large format book of 32 pages, counting the outsides of the end papers, which are glued down against the hard cover. It is presented as an introduction to the great variety of sea creatures that live in the ocean. The main attraction is intended to be the glow-in-the-dark feature, which is a challenge to stop and activate. In order for the print on the pages to glow in the dark a page must first be submitted to light for at least 20 seconds; the closer to the light and the brighter it is, the better. The biggest problem encountered with this is the constant turning off and on of the light, as one page is luminescent and the next one is not. The reader will probably choose to read through the entire book without the glow feature and then return to the chemically treated pages for the light show. There are a great many different sea creatures and plants illustrated, about which this reviewer knows little; but what can be said is that the sizes of the different things are wildly out of proportion to each other, which cannot be easily explained away by perspective, especially given the perspective of the enormity of the ocean. 2002, The Millbrook Press, Ages 6 to 10, $12.95. Reviewer: Eleanor Heldrich ISBN: 0-7613-1494-6 The Great Atlas of the Stars Serge Brunier Photographs by Akira Fujii    I was drawn to this book like a magnet. Even if you are a causal stargazer, as I am, you will be awed by the images in this book. A large format, spiral bound volume, it is created to help amateur astronomers find 30 of the most common constellations. Some visible from both hemispheres, most visible from the northern hemisphere and a few visible only from the southern hemisphere. The first photograph in the book is of hundreds of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. A nice way to get a personal perspective on our place in the universe. If that wasn't stunning enough, the second photograph is Galaxy M83, which is a spectacular pinwheeling spiral galaxy. Another is an extreme close-up of the Milky Way in which the stars are as dense as sand on a beach. As breath taking as these images are, they are the eye candy to the real substance of this book, which is specific information about 30 constellations. An acetate oversheet covers a photograph of the constellation with connecting lines and the names of the major stars. The Big Dipper is the most famous constellation and the first featured. It has a number of bright stars and is a prominent in the northern sky as it revolves around the North Star. The brightest six stars of the constellation are identified with photos and an icon that indicates whether it can be seen with the naked eye, or if a binoculars or telescope are needed. It is interesting to note that some "stars" in constellations are actually galaxies, as in Canes Venatici. Betelgeuse is the closest of the supergiant stars and its orange color contrasts with the blue of the other stars in winter's beautiful Orion. The remarkable photographs of the constellations were taken by a Japanese amateur astronomer who has dedicated himself to the task of photographing all of the constellations in both the northern and southern skies. 2001, Firefly Books, 10 to adult, $49.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 1-55209-610-6 Hubble: A New Window to the Universe Daniel Fischer and Hilmar Duerbeck Translated by Helmut Jenkner and Douglas Duncan Foreword by Robert Williams     Humans have systematically observed the heavens since approximately 3000 B.C. The Hubble telescope is the culmination of thousands of years of evolving tools to study of the sky. The Hubble telescope was named after Edwin Powell Hubble, to honor him as one of the greatest astronomers of the 20th century. He was the discoverer of the Big Bang theory. One of the main areas of research using the Hubble telescope is the rate of expansion of the universe--the result of the Big Bang. An important part of the mission of using the telescope is to collect and analyze radiation that can not reach the earth's surface. A defective mirror caused problems and scandal soon after its launch in 1990. This look at the Hubble raises questions about the size and age of the universe, galaxies and quasars, and the world of stars. The life and death of stars and the solar system are illustrated with numerous images from the Hubble, as well as photographs of many other objects and phenomena. These photographs, of everything from comet fragments to gas nebulae, are fascinating, and provide a window to the universe. With this book, the view from this great window is available to everyone. 1996, Springer-Verlag, $40.00. Ages 10 to adult. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-38794-672-1 The Hubble Space Telescope Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser     The library-bound "Out of This World" series presents a look at the work of scientist and engineers who investigate the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere. The fifteen books in the series cover such topics as various planets, the sun, the space shuttle, the history of NASA and various NASA projects. Telescopes have been around for about 400 years, Galileo being the first to use one to look at the sky in 1609. The earth's atmosphere, light pollution and blocked radiation were all factors in scientists' interest in putting a telescope into space. The Hubble Space Telescope is about the size of a train car and can travel from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco in about 8 minutes. The tragedy of the Challenger explosion delayed the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was later plagued with a mirror that was flawed by 2 millionths of a meter. An embarrassing but heroic mission corrected the error. In the ten years the Hubble Space Telescope has been aloft, it has taken 333,000 exposures of 14,000 targets. These are easy to read, informative books. BIBLIO: 2002, Franklin Watts, Ages 8 to adult, $14.95. REVIEWER: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-531-11894-0 Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Astronomy Janice VanCleave Illustrated by Laurel Aiello    For teachers and students of astronomy, this is an invaluable resource for hands-on learning. The book covers seven areas of astronomy--Measurements, Optical Instruments, The Sun, The Planets, Moons, Stars, and Meteors and Artificial Satellites. Each project uses the same easy-to-follow format. A materials list and procedure is given, followed by the expected results. In addition, several extensions of the activity are suggested. Finally, directions are given for designing another experiment based on what has already been learned. Also featured are several appendices with information that can be referred to when carrying out the experiments. The experiment procedures are written in clear language, and proficient readers should be able to use this book independently. Line drawings are included for each experiment, illustrating procedures and important astronomy concepts. Ms. VanCleave has written three other books in this "A+" series, covering biology, chemistry and earth science, as well as many other titles about science and math for younger students. 2002, Wiley, Ages 12 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 0-471-32820-0 Looking at the Sky Jennifer Frantz Illustrated by Pedro Julio Gonzalez and Tim Haggerty    Scientists study the sky, but so can young children with the help of My First Field Guide. The book shows you what to look for as well as provides stickers to help keep track of what you have seen. Observations are suggested that can be made at night or during the day. It's a nice small format that fits easily in small hands. Kids like stickers and by allowing young readers to place the stickers makes the experience with the book more interactive. The objects or phenomenon mentioned in the book include the sun, sunsets and sunrises, clouds, using the sun to tell time, rainbows and the moon. The most easily visible constellations and planets are identified. There is an interesting experiment to understand the concept of light pollution and why it's hard to see stars in the middle of the city. There are always new things to learn about the sky and space. This is a nice, thoughtful introduction to stargazing for young children. 2002, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 5 to 10, $5.99. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-448-42488-6 Mapping the Skies Walter Oleksy    Mankind has always been interested in objects in the sky. Ancients mapped the skies to aid in navigation of the seas and travel on land. Calendars were developed to determine when to plant crops. What we know about our Solar System and Universe has changed a great deal. Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that the Earth was the center of the Universe and that the objects in space were arranged in celestial spheres. As early as 260 B.C., the sun was identified as the center of our solar system, but this was not generally accepted until the 1600s. A Dutch optician invented the telescope in 1608, and Galileo was the first to use this new invention to study the sky. By 1781 the size of the known universe had doubled and today's telescopes have revealed even more. Many of the major telescopes are located at astronomical observatories at universities. However, the Hubble Telescope is located in space and is the world's largest and most sophisticated satellite telescope. The text is filled with numerous photographs of both telescopes and objects in outer space to add to kids understanding of what is a complex topic. 2002, Franklin Watts, Ages 8 to 12, $24.00. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-531-12031-7 Our Stars Anne Rockwell   This is a marvelous resource to introduce young children to the wonders of astronomy and space. Told in simple language, it explains basic concepts about stars, planets, meteors, and space exploration. The full-color illustrations by the author enhance the learning experience and demonstrate phases of the moon, comets, meteors, constellations, and the arrangement of the planets in the solar system. The book could possibly be read independently by first and second graders; however, younger children may need help understanding some of the complex information included. This is a great book to have on hand when young children look up into the sky and ask, "Why?" 2002 (orig. 1999), Voyager Books, $6.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 0-15-201868-9 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States State Reading Lists: 2X2 Reading List, 2000; Texas Solar System Gregory Vogt    Our place in the cosmos is explained in a quick look at the planets that make up our solar system. The sun is the center of our system and facts about it are summarized in a fact box. Vogt takes us from the innermost to the most distant planets and recaps some salient facts as well in the fact boxes, which tell about size, distance from the sun, orbit, rotation, number of moons and rings. For example, Jupiter takes almost 12 years to orbit the sun, yet it rotates in about 10 hours. It also has a large number of moons (28 at last count) and also 3 rings. Kids with a bent toward astronomy will find lots of good information about our little place in the universe. 2002, Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-439-38247-5 Stars   Robin Birch    Except for hydrogen, every atom in your body was made in a star then blown out into space when the star died. This "stardust" provides the stuff of which the Solar System is made. Our star, the Sun, provides heat, light, and, through plants, the food we eat. It is so large that if the Earth were at its center, the moon's orbit would reach only about a third of the way out. When stars die they produce Black Holes, Neutron Stars, or charred White Dwarfs. They are born in vast clouds of tenuous dust that have provided the Space Telescope with some of its most magnificent images. Unfortunately, none of that is to be found in this book. In fact, only nine pages are devoted to real stars, 12 describe Greek constellations and the myths associated with them, and two pages are reserved for binoculars and amateur telescopes. That's a pity. Illustrations come mainly from astronomical archives and photo houses. Photos are not reproduced very well and none of the illustrations are very engaging. Highlighted words appear in an eight-word-long glossary. Part of the "Space" series. 2003, Chelsea Clubhouse, Ages 6 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Michael Chabin ISBN: 0-7910-6971-0 The Stars Martha E. H. Rustad    Simple but comprehensive, this book gives us a new look at the night sky. A star is a huge mass or ball of gasses out in space. These burning gases giving off light and heat. Some stars are bright, others dim, due to their different temperatures and colors. A blue star is the hottest star and a red star is the coldest. The sun is an example of a yellow star and it is the star closest to Earth. A part of the "Out In Space" series, this book can be useful to inspire early readers' interest in science. The book includes vivid pictures to help readers understand the text. Some readers may need assistance utilizing the glossary, bibliography, and Internet sites and word list, also included in the book. 2002, Pebble Books/Capstone Press, Ages 4 to 7, $14.60. Reviewer: Michele Wilbur ISBN: 0-7368-1179-6 Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei Peter Sis    This is an exceptional book that documents the life of a great scientist who children usually don't meet until they are older. Galileo's story is told in a simple direct narrative, appropriate for very young children. Additional text gives greater detail, as well as excerpts of his writing, keeping the book informative for older children. Galileo suspected that the ideas of his time about the universe were wrong, but only made public his theories after he had devised a telescope and could prove them. His theories threatened the Catholic Church, and Galileo was ordered to stop believing what he had seen with his own eyes. A beautifully illustrated and designed book-an essential addition to any child's library. 1996, Frances Foster/FSG, Ages 3 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Kristin Harris Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei Peter Sis    I wish I could recommend author/illustrator Peter Sis' Starry Messenger, the life story of Galileo, with enthusiasm. It is a readable biography with interesting illustrations by Mr. Sis which spans Galileo's life, and beyond--he was declared a heretic in 1633 and pardoned only in 1992! Galileo was born in Pisa in 1564 and, unlike Leonardo Da Vinci, he was able to study mathematics and physics. He, too, was unusually curious and took steps to satisfy his curiosity. He developed the instrument we now call a telescope and determined that the sun, not the earth, is the center of our universe. His insistence on popularizing this notion in contravention of church doctrine led to his inquisition and house arrest. Mr. Sis tells Galileo's story succinctly. He illustrates it in two styles: whimsical and ornate. In addition to his use of conventional typography, Mr. Sis has laced his book with hard-to read cursive writing, much of it turned at unusual angles. This makes the volume a chore to read and adds little--actually subtracts much--from what might otherwise be a fine biography. 1996, Farrar Strauss Giroux, $16.00. Ages 12 up.Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin ISBN: 0-374-37191-1 Best Books: Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Fall, 1996 ; American Booksellers Association; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 1997 ; Children's Literature; United States Lasting Connections, 1996 ; American Library Association; United States Notable Books for Children, 1996 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States Notable Books for Children, 1997 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of the Social Studies, 1996 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 1996 ; Cahners; United States Publishers Weekly, The Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite (and not-so-favorite) Books of the Year, 1996 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 1996 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal: Best Books, 1996 ; Cahners; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1997 Biography United States Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book 1997 United States The Sun Isaac Asimov    Our world is dominated and dependent on the Sun. 21st Century Library of the Universe, Solar System Series allows budding astronomers to experience an in-depth look at this spectacular star. Beginning with a cloud of dust and gas that combined to give birth to the sun millions of years ago to harnessing the energy of the sun, today’s readers will discover the massive power of the sun. A total eclipse of the sun is revealed in step-by-step color images. Readers will be introduced to prominences, eruptions of gas held up by magnetic fields and they will discover the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis. Each page of text is accompanied by color photos, charts and illustrations. Some actual satellite images reveal sun spots, neat loops of gases and Sun granules. The volume presented by 21st Century Libraries of the Universe also includes a fact-file comparing the Sun to Earth, other resource books about the Sun, web sites to visit for more information and places to visit such as museums and space exhibits. A glossary aids in comprehension and also includes an index and profile of the author. This is an excellent resource for intermediate and middle school science rooms and libraries. BIBLIO: 2002, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $22.60. REVIEWER: Sue Reichard ISBN: 0-8368-3242-6 The Sun Robin Kerrod    For the people of Earth, the Sun is the most important heavenly body there is. Astronomers believe the Sun to be about 4.6 billion years old. From the Sun, we receive the light and heat that makes plants grow. Although the Sun appears to move through the sky from morning to evening, the earth is actually the object that is moving, rotating on its axis. Inset boxes throughout the text present quick facts to support the diagrams and computer-generated pictures. An index and a glossary complete this reference text. One of ten volumes in the series "Planet Library" The series is excellent and would be a desirable addition to an elementary or middle school collection, as well as science classrooms. 2000, Lerner Books, $22.60. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Joyce Rice ISBN: 0-8225-3901-2 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States The Sun Allison Lassieur    The largest body in our universe--the sun--has a vast history among people on earth, and the study of this great star is ongoing testimony to its immensity and our curiosity to explore and understand its effect on the earth. Beginning with sun worship in ancient times by Egyptian, Greek, Chinese and Native American cultures, we are shown what scientists from the 1500s discovered--that the sun does not revolve around the earth. Copernicus and Galileo Galilei are mentioned only briefly as being responsible for discovering this fact. Concepts such as solar flares, solar wind and the aurora borealis are touched on briefly. While a lot of information is packed into this book, there is not a great deal of depth or intensity. The book would be a useful resource for overview or background information. Classroom teachers could use this as a springboard for further study and assign chapters to students (individually or in groups) to expand their knowledge of facts about the sun. Colorful illustrations and photographs are plentiful and well-placed. Following the text there is a bibliography and web references for further information about the sun and the planets. 2000, Children's Press/Grolier, $22.00 and $6.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young ISBN: 0-516-22002-0 The Sun Martha E. H. Rustad    Understandable language and vibrant illustrations help make the sun come to life for young readers in this "Out In Space" series book. The sun is a star 93 million miles away from Earth. It is much larger than the Earth and is made up of burning gases. Being in the center of the solar system, all nine planets orbit the sun. The text describes how the Earth's orbit around the sun changes the weather, creating the four seasons. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West every day. Without the sun life on Earth would not survive. Readers may need assistance utilizing the glossary, bibliography, and Internet sites and word list, also included in the book. The book appears to be a useful tool in promoting science for young minds in a classroom setting. BIBLIO: 2002, Pebble Books/Capstone Press, Ages 4 to 7, $14.60. REVIEWER: Michele Wilbur ISBN: 0-7368-1180-X The Sun Niki Walker Illustrated by Bonna Rouse    Beginning with facts about the sun and building to a comprehensive description of all that makes up the universe and the bearing it has on our lives, this offering lists fourteen topics in its table of contents. Bold face type indicates vocabulary that readers need as they proceed through the text. These words are defined in a glossary and the subjects discussed found in the index. Ideas are clearly presented with dramatic simplicity. For example--"Without the sun's light and heat, nothing could live on earth." Drawings, charts, photographs and well-labeled diagrams enhance the text. Subjects like the food chain, the water cycle and the weather are covered. Strong statements focus attention and make what is beyond our imagination comprehensible--"if the sun were an empty container, you could put more than a million earths inside it." This resource delivers information that an adult as well as a young reader can appreciate. One of six titles in the series, "Eye on the Universe." 2000, Crabtree Publishing, $14.97 and $5.36. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Margarette Reid ISBN: 0-86505-682-X ISBN: 0-86505-692-7 The Sun and Other Stars John Farndon Illustrated by Ian Thompson    This 32-page book packs a lot of fun, useful and diverse information between its colorful covers. Most kids have stood under a clear, starlit night sky and gazed in amazement, wondering what stars are and how they shine. These, and many more scientific mysteries are answered in a unique format. In addition to its accurate, understandable text, readers are offered information via "space bits" boxes that take a closer look at topics mentioned in the body text; "Q & A'" boxes that give answers to the space questions you always wanted to ask; "awesome facts" diamonds that highlight amazing facts about the Sun and other stars; and "spot and count" quizzes that challenge kids to look over the text and illustrations again in order to find the answers. The illustrations are a combination of bright, full-color photos, cartoon art, diagrams and charts. Even though the page layouts are a bit jarring--many visual elements, like boxes of information or spot illustrations are "pasted" on top of each other--they will suit young readers who like to access information in short sessions, returning often for more. The book includes a glossary and an index. Part of the "Awesome Space" series. 2001, Copper Beech Books/Millbrook Press, $23.40. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 0-7613-2412-7 There Was a Bold Lady Who Wanted a Star Charise Mericle Harper Illustrations by Charise Mericle Harper    Stars are awfully far; still there exists a bold lady who is determined to get one. She buys shoes, a bicycle, and even a plane in her attempts to run, ride, and fly into space. Following the format of "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly," this is a fun and clever story that beginning readers will enjoy. The text is simple and it has the bouncy rhythm that will make young children want to read it over and over again. The illustrations are done in acrylic paint on chipboard. Every page contains creative and amusing collage-type illustrations that will have the reader stopping to view and construe every detail. In the end, the bold lady becomes very creative in her attempts to achieve her goal and the reader learns that with persistence and determination, many things are possible. BIBLIO: 2002, Megan Tingley/Little Brown and Company, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Denise Daley ISBN: 0-316-14673-0 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 8/1/03