Jupiter (Our Solar System (Compass)) [Library Binding]

Dana Meachen Rau (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-3-Presenting specific information in simple language and large, bright photos or art, these outstanding starter volumes provide sturdy bases upon which to build a lifelong interest in matters extraterrestrial. Rau opens each one with a history of the planet's Earth-based observation; discusses in turn its orbit, structure, moons (if any), and space missions past and future; then closes with a fact summary, a bulleted set of additional notes, and generous lists, mostly annotated, of recent books, Web sites, and places to write or visit. The pictures are, with a few exceptions, enhanced-color composite photos, sometimes with superimposed labels or diagram lines, always with captions that reinforce points made in the main text. The level of detail is nicely calibrated to inform and fascinate readers without overwhelming them. For instance, the author names and profiles Jupiter's four "Galilean" moons but only mentions the fact that there are at least 12 others. Free of hyperbole and vague generalizations, these titles belong on any budding astronomer's reading list, between Joanna Cole's The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System (Scholastic, 1990) and Seymour Simon's titles on the individual planets (Morrow).
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Reviewed with Dana Meachen Rau's Venus.

Gr. 3-5. Large, colorful photographs of the planets are the most distinctive feature of the new Our Solar System series, which will be useful for simple school reports. Each book presents basic information about one planet in fairly simple vocabulary, large type, and attractive page layouts. Jupiter discusses the planet and, more briefly, its four largest moons, as well as the space missions that have gathered information about it. Similarly, Venus surveys the exploration and current knowledge of Earth's sister planet. The closing pages of each book include fast facts, a glossary, and recommended resources such as books, Web sites, space centers, planetariums, and observatories. Check the Series Roundup in this issue for more volumes in this attractive series. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Compass Point Books (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756501989
• ISBN-13: 978-0756501983
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,087,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dana Meachen Rau worked as a children's book editor before launching into her writing career. Since then, she has written more than 250 books for children, including picture books, early readers, nonfiction, and biographies for preschool to middle school. Visit Dana's website at www.danameachenrau.com for more information about her books.