Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond (National Geographic Kids)
This attractive compendium of information about space is encyclopedic in the sense that its scope is broad. The facts are presented in two- to eight-page highly illustrated articles within five thematic sections. The first section, “What We Know,” comments on matters as diverse as the big bang, dark energy, near-earth objects, and solar storms. The two longest sections are the tour of our solar system (including dwarf planets and the Oort cloud) and the outward-looking presentation on stars, galaxies, and the universe. The final sections, “Are We Alone?” and “Dreams of Tomorrow,” look to the future. The articles are clearly written and informative, but the visuals steal the show. Beautifully reproduced on heavy, glossy pages, the illustrations include Aguilar’s often striking, imaginative artwork as well as many excellent images from NASA. While the large pictures often show dramatically lit views of stars, galaxies, and planets, the smaller pictures include useful cutaway views of planets and stars. An informative volume at a very reasonable price. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan