Reviews
For ages 8-10: The Astronaut Travel Guides series includes eight 48-page titles by five authors: The Sun, Mercury and Venus, Earth, The Moon, Mars, Jupiter and the Outer Planets, Stars and Galaxies, and Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors. The last one was written by none other than Stuart Atkinson, an occasional guest blogger here. In keeping with the series' title, the books are partially written in the second person and treat their subjects as though you, the reader, were planning a visit. It makes the text much more engaging than many fact-filled nonfiction books I've seen. The Earth book is particularly good, a thorough introduction to Earth science for younger readers. Interspersed with fact-filled sections are interviews with people working in space careers, like rover driver Scott Maxwell in the Mars book and astronaut Paolo Nespoli in the Earth one. My only problem with the series is that the photo selection is not particularly good, including lots of outdated visualizations. But the text makes up for that, and this is one series I'm keeping on my daughters' bookshelf. -- Emily Lakdawalla The Planetary Society blog 12/10/2012 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2012/12101313-review-nonfiction-series-kids.html, This series takes readers on an imaginary trip through the universe. Nicely paced conversational texts deliver full descriptions about "What's Out There?" and instructions for how to prepare for the journey, including how to train and what to bring. The history of previous exploratory ventures is detailed, and information about what space scientists hope to discover in the future is covered. Sidebars providing interesting facts and profiles are sprinkled liberally throughout, and clear photographs and illustrations enhance every page. Interviews with a variety of astronauts, scientists, etc. are also included. Each book concludes with a map of the solar system, a "Fact File" page, a "Find Out More" section, and other back matter. These volumes truly capture the excitement and adventure of space travel and will attract both browsers and report writers. -- Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ School Library Journal, "Series Made Simple" 11/1/2012, STAR REVIEW! The volumes are beautifully illustrated with drawings and photos taken from space and seem to be very up to date. . . .A young reader could open these books to any page and find something interesting to discover. If this series had come out when I was growing up, I would have enjoyed every one of them. The excitement that is space exploration and the enthusiasm of young readers make these books a welcome addition to any literary collection.
