The Planets in Our Solar System (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) [Paperback]

Franklyn M. Branley (Author), Kevin O'Malley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2

You live on Earth, so you already know a lot about it. But do you know about its place in out solar system? For instance, it's not the largest planet. If Jupiter were a hallow ball, 1,000 Earths would fit inside it. And did you know our planet Earth takes 365 days to go around the sun, while the planet Pluto takes 248 years?

This simple text by Franklyn M. Branely introduces the nine planets in our solar system and is complemented by Kevin O'Malley's full-color illustrations, which incorporate some of the newest space photographs available. How hot is it on Venus? Which planet takes longest to orbit the sun? Find out the answers in this updated version of this popular text. Kevin O'Malleys often humorous illustrations depict a group of children and an astronomer as they learn all about our solar system. Included are some of the newest space photographs available, as well as many hands-on activities.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2AOriginally published in 1981, this title gets a facelift with the addition of some new information, including a brief list of Web sites, plus new illustrations. Though given to dogmatic statements like "The most important part of the solar system is the sun," Branley makes his points briefly and precisely, steering clear of distracting dialogue and side commentary. Also, rather than the more common one-planet-after-the-other tour, he groups together heavenly bodies, discussing temperature, size, and orbital length in comparative terms; the effect is to reinforce the idea of the solar system as a system rather than an assemblage of isolated elements. He finishes with instructions for a planetary mobile and several other simple projects. O'Malley creates a rudimentary story line in his illustrations, in which an African-American version of Ms. Frizzle guides a class around a planetarium, and inserts small astronomical photos into his cartoon scenes. Still one of the most basic books on the subject, this is a welcome replacement for the old edition.AJohn Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Franklyn M. Branley was Astronomer Emeritus and former Chairman of the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium. In 1960, he originated the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Dr. Branley was the author of over 150 science books for children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Collins (April 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006445178X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064451789
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Aeronautics & Space
  • #9 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Aeronautics & Space
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Astronomy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, November 5, 1999

By 

Terri L. Sawyer (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Planets in Our Solar System: Stage 2 (Let's Read-And-Find-Out Science) (Hardcover)

I home school our daughter and got this book from the library. I plan to purchase this book for our home school library because of the wealth of information it contains. It makes learning about the solar system an adventure. I really like the fact that the author included a section of craft ideas to reinforce what the child read in the book. He also included web sites so that you can really see the planets. I think every teacher should have this book!

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to the Solar System..., September 27, 2003

By 

Cheryl_in_CA "cheryl_in_ca" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Planets in Our Solar System (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my five year old son, who loves anything that has to do do with outerspace and the planets. This is a terrific book for a young child, the information is direct and to the point and easy to understand. I think children in the older recommended age range would be somewhat dissappointed, it is not really meant for in depth understanding.

I agree with one of the editorial reviews that lauded the thematic organization over examining each piece as an isolated item-- it allows the child to understand the relation between each part of the solar system... overall, a very good introductory book.

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lightspeed fun!, August 22, 2000

By 

Matt Thornton (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Planets in Our Solar System (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) (Paperback)

The Planets in Our Solar System is a fun way to teach children about the solar system. Kids will enjoy the many fun facts in the book. With great illustrations and a section in the back of the book on crafts and reference to other space related material. This book is a wonderful book on astronomy. Also check out the book "Arty the Part-Time Astronaut" which includes a CD and website with a ton of learning activities and games. These two books made a great way to introduce the solar system to any child.