National Geographic is known for its ability to create educational material and capture spectacular photos. Their research and presentation sets a high standard, which has not been lowered for their kids books. The combination of realistic illustrations by David Aguilar, vivid photographs, and simple sentences make this book a must-have for any kids book collection.
This book has a lot of information and is laid out like a textbook. The introduction is useful, especially if you haven’t read a book in this series before. There is an easy to use glossary and a parent tips section with activity suggestions in the back of the book.
First, the reader learns about the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The following chapter covers the rest of the planets in the solar system. There are so many fun facts about each planet that you and your child will have nicknames and easy ways to remember the planets and their traits in no time. The third chapter takes you through the asteroid belt, dwarf planets (which I didn’t know there were so many), and comets. Next, readers see amazing photographs of stars, nebulas, and galaxies. Finally, the last chapter explores space with rockets, telescopes, and the International Space Station.
Readers cannot help but learn things just by skimming this book. I had no idea that some planets rotate one way and others rotate another. Some even have moons that rotate in different directions than the host planet! One planet is even tipped on its side! By the end of this book, my son was so excited to learn more about space and its exploration. We now follow the TV series How the Universe Works on Discovery Channel. National Geographic Kids does a fantastic job with their colorful pages and simple sentences. The facts in the book are easy to read and remember, which will be useful in elementary and high school grades; many of the photos and illustrations are unforgettable and just simply amazing. This is a must have for any young reader!
Other books in this series that we have in our house and enjoy equally as much as this one are:
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Who
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals