DK Guide to Space (Hardcover)

by Peter Bond (Author)
Key Phrases: Milky Way, Eta Carinae, Maat Mons (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
If you're a space fanatic, you'll love this big guide to all things astronomical. All the heavenly bodies in our solar system--all nine planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, and the sun--are shown in amazing photos and illustrations that give you a feel for what they're like up close. You'll also find out about objects far away from our little planet, like distant stars, nebulas, and galaxies, with telescope images and incredible facts. For instance, did you know that Eta Carinae is the weirdest star known to science? It's being torn apart by constant explosions, and it's the only star known to emit natural laser light! You'll find out how a star is born, how it dies, and how galaxies full of stars fit into the universe. The last part of the book tells the story of human efforts to learn about space, from rockets and shuttles to space stations, satellites, and radio telescopes listening for alien broadcasts. DK Guide to Space is filled with color photos of cool things like Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Mexican Hat galaxies, and the freeze-dried food astronauts eat. It's a great reference for space nuts. (Ages 9 to 12) --Therese Littleton

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Aimed at a younger audience than Sue Becklake's The Visual Dictionary of the Universe (DK, 1993), this tour of the solar system and beyond is illustrated almost entirely with photos: big, enhanced-color shots that capitalize on the beauty and dramatic power of the best space photography. In the customary one spread per topic format, Bond begins with a glimpse of modern stargazing before moving to the Sun, passing each planet in succession, and launching outward past Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. He sails past stars, nebulae, and galaxies before looping back to visit several spacecraft and space stations, and concludes with a spread of summary charts and Web sites. Midsized blocks of text tucked between illustrations contain an easily digestible mix of basic facts and colorful factoids: of the Sun's 27 million degree core, for instance, the author writes, "If the head of a pin were this hot, it would set fire to everything within 62 miles." Picture captions extend the text with additional or reiterated information. Despite a few design bobbles, such as an occasional superimposed label that is hard to see, or a rare view of Venus without clouds that is partly lost in a gutter, this oversized volume is a better-than-average addition, eminently suitable both for browsing or research.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (April 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789439468
• ISBN-13: 978-0789439468
• Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,012,260 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING Space Book!, March 7, 2000

By	Leslie A. Harris "Leslie in Texas" (Midlothian, Tx USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What more could I say! The photos are fantastic! The info is current to 1999. The book being oversized only enhanced the outstanding photography. Real photos from the Space Shuttle, satellite photos. There is one of Mt. Everest that makes it look like a tiny hill. Amazing! The books goes planet by planet showing at the lower left it's size as compared to earth. Great for school or homeschool or just looking! It's a great bang for the buck! If you love space, it's packs an amazing punch!

5.0 out of 5 stars My neice LOVES this book!, October 13, 2007

By	JoJo (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews

I didn't see the book myself, as I had it shipped directly to her for her birthday. But, her mom has said the pictures are just spectacular, and very educational. For those of you who have kids that are interested in the planets, I would recommend this book. It's something they can keep forever.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Beginner Book to Space with Awesome Pics, August 18, 2005

By	A. Tsuyuki (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My 4 1/5 year old is crazy about space so I bought this book for him. The pictures are larger than life with tremendous clarity. The text is easy to read and understand, although I would say the text is aimed more at 7 - 10 years old. My 4 1/5 year old seems to understand most of the text as I review it with him and re-explain it. The book is well organized starting with the planets in our solar system, then moving to the galaxies, the life and death of stars, and space exploration. This is an excellent beginning space book for children or adults who want a quick overview of the solar system and galaxies.