Space Words: A Dictionary

Simon, Seymour

ISBN 10: 0060225335 ISBN 13: 9780060225339

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1991

Synopsis

Defines words and terms commonly used in discussing outer space--from Apollo Program to Zodiac

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-2-- A picture dictionary of 75 astronomical and astronautical terms and people, illustrated with simple pen-and-ink drawings painted with bright watercolors. Simon tries to cover far too much here; although many definitions are models of accuracy and clarity, some are startlingly simplistic, such as "space: Everything beyond Earth's atmosphere" or just confusing, such as "zodiac: A circular band in the sky around which the sun, moon, and planets appear to move." Obviously, the author had to pick and choose from a vast vocabulary, but his choices are sometimes hard to understand: "Explorer I" but not Sputnik; "dwarf star" and "red giant" but not the rest of the main sequence; "mission control"; "Milky Way" and "Milky Way galaxy"; "nova" and "supernova." Chewning's pictures are visually appealing, but not always trustworthy; the asteroid belt isn't nearly as dense as shown, and a neutron star, described as "about the size of New York," is plainly much larger. Steer primary readers to Cole's Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System (Scholastic, 1990) and Franklyn Branley's many books. --John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Simon's ( Whales ; Saturn ) latest is an informative journey through the universe--a pictorial catalogue that presents illustrated definitions of terms related to space travel and exploration. Explanations of such concepts as the Big Bang theory or extraterrestrial life are simple and concise; the language is comprehensible and not too scientifically sophisticated for its audience. Chewning's ( If Dinosaurs Were Alive Today ) watercolors offer a palette bold enough to stimulate interest yet warm enough to help demystify some of the subject matter. Although billed as a dictionary, more distinct alphabetical divisions and perhaps phonetic pronunciation keys would make this a better beginning reference tool. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0060225335
• ISBN 13: 9780060225339
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Chewning Randy