Our Solar System (Facts America Series)

Discusses the planets, asteroids, comets, and meteors that make up the solar system

Grade 3-6-- This oversized, full-color introduction to the solar system raises hopes of excellence by starting off with reasonable diagrams of the planets' relative sizes and distances from the Sun, but soon lowers them again with sloppy statements like ``Someday the Sun will use up all its matter, . . . '' and a shoddy diagram of an annular eclipse showing a fully black shadow on the Earth. The authors do offer a few unusual tidbits as they describe and depict the Sun, planets, major moons, asteroids, meteors, and comets. The volume is attractive, with an average of six illustrations per double-page spread--a mixture of photos, diagrams, paintings, and historical facsimiles. But its oversimplifications make it only one of a pack that includes Exploring Your Solar System (National Geographic, 1989) and a host of others. --Margaret Chatham, formerly at Smithtown Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.