Mission to Mars (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) [Paperback]

Franklyn M. Branley (Author), True Kelley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2002 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2

Let's-read-and-find-out about
Mars

Someday people from Earth may live on Mars.

In this century, we will go to the planet to learn more about it. It will become our outpost in space -- our space colony.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-3-The renowned science writer posthumously invites readers to set their sights on the high frontier by envisioning themselves as members of the first Mars Mission's crew. In its current configuration, the mission will involve departing from the International Space Station for multiple rendezvous with previously launched, unmanned vehicles, both in Mars orbit and on the planet's surface. Crew members will drill for water, watch for dust storms, experience both light gravity and severe cold, and, of course, explore. What will they find? The author makes a few suggestions based on what we already know about Mars, but also, "you will find things no one could have imagined. No one knows what may be discovered, and that is one of the main reasons why we want to go there." Along with a sprinkling of black-and-white and full-color photos, the illustrations mix clearly drawn schematics with scenes of crew members working busily inside the Mars Station or outside in heavy protective suits. An informative, inspirational introduction.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 3. In this appealing volume from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, Branley takes children on a you-are-there voyage to the red planet, and the text implies that exploration is a given. Astronauts live in Mars Station, where they generate solar and atomic power for electricity, recycle water, and grow food. As part of their mission, they don space suits and explore the planet. Eventually, the crew climb into their Ascent Vehicle and start the long trip home. Though written in narrative style, the text imparts a good deal of information along the way. Photos of Mars appear on the endpapers, the title page, its verso, and one double-page spread, but otherwise, Kelley's ink-and wash illustrations help children picture life on Mars. Combining adventure, technology, and certain homey comforts, her vision of the Mars explorers and their habitat is as likely as the text to recruit the astronauts of tomorrow. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Collins (September 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064452336
• ISBN-13: 978-0064452335
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #782,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Aeronautics & Space

More About the Author

Franklyn Branley was Astronomer Emeritus and former Chairman of the American Museum-Hayden Planeterium. In 1960, he originated the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, dedicated to explaining science to young children and encouraging them to explore their world. Dr. Branley is the author of over 150 science books for children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introductory Book!, January 11, 2007

By 

N. Lavallee - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mission to Mars (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

My five year old has developed an interest in the solar system, so I bought this book for him -- sight unseen -- for Christmas. He absolutely loves it, and I've bought several more in the Let's Read and Find Out series. This is a slim little volume with some basic facts about the planets. It is simply told and has nice illustrations. It is probably geared to a slightly older child than my son, but he loves it nonetheless. This is a perfect little book to introduce a kid to the solar system.

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful book, September 19, 2011

By 

maria - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mission to Mars (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

We found the book super friendly, fun and, at the same time, they learned some science concepts.. We really liked it!

4.0 out of 5 stars Far Out!, March 15, 2011

By 

E. Kennen (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mission to Mars (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

Books in the "Let's Read and Find Out Science" series tend to be great, and this one was no exception. In fact, anyone who reads it will probably know more about the details of a mission to Mars than most adults. The book was printed in 2002, so I don't know if the information is dated. Even if it is, the book provides a great -- and simple to understand -- glimpse at how complicated and time consuming manned exploration our neighboring planet would be -- and how utterly cool!

The book is written in an appealing second-person style ("...you may become the first person to walk on Mars") with step-by-step instructions on how to reach Mars (a spaceship launched from the international space station, a habitat lander) and set up a Mars base. Sprinkled throughout are facts about space (eg, microgravity) and Mars (red dust, low gravity).

All in all, this was a fun read, with a well balanced amount of detail and simplicity for young "astronauts in training".