Book Description

Book Description

Take our latest Take-Along Guide outside at night! Planets, Moons and Stars provides an introduction to the bodies in our solar system. Young astronomers and explorers will learn to identify our nine planets and how to seek out the shapes in the sky that our ancestors saw thousands of years ago. This book includes information on which planets and constellations you can see with the naked eye or with binoculars, and which ones require telescopes. Statistics, illustrations, and interesting facts are included in each section. What are shooting stars? How has the night sky changed over time? Which planet has the most moons? How did Orion get its name? How old is our sun? Planets, Moons and Stars provides a fascinating mix of science, history, and legend. This is a perfect first book for a child interested in astronomy, or for a family evening field trip "to the stars." ... Read more

Book Description

parents dreading the fidgeting and whining that usually accompany family airplane travel will welcome this unique new collection of at-the-seat activities. From designing your own airport to finding your way in the sky. . .from crossing time zones to understanding jet lag. . .from who's in the cockpit to what's in the black box. . .Just Plane Smart! is packed with fascinating facts, funny cartoons and riddles, brain-teasing puzzles, and high-flying things to do. Lap-sized, lighthearted, humorously illustrated, this fun-filled travel companion will stretch kids' imaginations, satisfy their curiosity, and keep them occupied--at 30,000 feet or at home on the ground. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Airplane fun for the road.
How to beat the wiggles in the seat for the plane ride? How nice to have a book full of fun things to do. Young travelers will love all these great activities.

All kinds of airport tests and games. Tell your parents thing they don't know about airport travel. Like where your bags go? Sometimes we wonder why there go to a different city. But this book is alot of fun.

This is a must for air travel.............. ... Read more

Amazon.com

People have always looked up at the stars in wonder, seeking patterns in the sky. This gorgeous picture book, published by the National Geographic Society, introduces children to the constellations that are named for animals--Leo the Lion, the Great Bear and Little Bear, and many more. Christina Balit's striking paintings showcase each constellation against a deep blue background--animals or fantastical beasts positioned in the dark night sky, with the individual stars, metallic and iridescent, superimposed upon them. Each image is accompanied by a short, engaging, often dramatized description of the group of stars and the legends surrounding it, written by distinguished astronomer and writer Dr. Jacqueline Mitton: "Charging through the zodiac, here comes the Bull. Head down, horns thrust forward, Taurus is ready to toss the twins. But they are safe, always on the other side of the Milky Way." The front and endpapers are star maps that show the actual constellations of both the southern and northern skies. Mitton also offers a brief introduction to the constellations and two pages of related discussion on astronomy at the book's end. A lovely choice for anyone interested in the mysteries of the night sky. (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1998 Jacqueline Mitton. Illustrations © 1998Christina Balit.) (Ages 6 to 10) --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A beautifully illustrated children's book of constellations
The only reason I was a tad disappointed in "Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations," is that I tracked down this 1998 volume after I had stumbled across "Kingdom of the Sun : A Book of the Planets," the 2001 collaboration between writer Jacqueline Mitton and illustrator Christina Balit. If you like what Balit does with foil for the stars that define the animal constellations, then you should see the stunning artwork in their next book. Both superb volumes are courtesy of the National Geographic Society. Dr. Mitton is an astronomer, who spends more time telling young readers about the stories the ancients told when they looked at the night sky and used the starts to trace the forms of animals. Because this book focuses specifically on animal constellations it does not include the entire zodiac, making room for the Crane, the Whale, the Hare, and the Toucan, among others you might not have heard of before. The front and back pieces of the book shows all of the constellations in the Northern Sky and Southern Sky, with a list of the specific constellations featured in the book, while the back of the book provides more scientific information about stars. Of course the chief attraction are the paintings of the animals, but what really impresses me are the night skies Balit paints behind them. Be sure to check out anything these two do in the future, because you are not going to come even close to being disappointed.

Beautifully illustrated. A great introduction to astronomy!
My son really enjoyed this book because he loves animals. It explains, in simple terms, the various constellations. The illustrations are beautifully done and very engaging. ... Read more

Book Description

In Freddy and the Men From Mars, the trouble starts when a newspaper reports that six little creatures, believed to be the only Martians ever to have visited Earth, have been captured single-handedly by Mr. Herbert Garble. This news wouldn't have disturbed Freddy and the other barn animals had not the paper further stated that their friend Mr. Boomschmidt had invited Mr. G. and his men from Mars to join Boomschmidt's Stupendous and Unexcelled Circus. Freddy, ever ready to maintain his reputation as a detective, immediately suspects a hoax, and quickly sets out to expose it. How he manages to do so, with the help of Jinx, the Horrible Ten, and several other familiar allies-and a band of real Martians who turn up just in the nick of time-makes for one of the most hilarious of all the Freddy tales, a story that is simply out of this world!

"Freddy is simply one of the greatest characters in children's literature!" (School Library Journal) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Pig 200, Rats 0
Freddy the Pig and his friends from the Bean farm have come a long way from their first trip to Florida in 1928. Now they have a Farm Animals Republic, a bank, a newspaper, an atomic powered car and even a rocket ship. But, despite the prestige and renown of being Bean farm animals, their basic nature had remains the same - they are honest, forthright, and darned funny.

Things bode ill for the Boomschmidt Circus when Herbert Garble (who has never had an honest day in his life) joins them with six strange looking men from Mars - each a foot high, in red pajamas and wearing red fluffy whiskers. Freddy is sure there is some fraud involved, but the Circus is making a ton of money and the last thing the farm animals want to do is hurt Mr. Boomschmidt. Freddy, Jinx the Cat, Uncle Ben and Mrs. Peppercorn head out to investigate.

What they find is pretty fishy, or rather, pretty ratty. Mean old Simon the rat and his family are up to their necks in trouble making, and Garble's Martians are just the start. If the rats have their way the Beans will be forced off their farm and Uncle Ben will lose his rocket ship. Drastic times call for drastic measures as the animals prepare to go to war.

If things are strange with fake Martians, they get stranger when a flying saucer full of real Martians shows up to investigate. Soon there are rats pretending they are Martians, rabbits pretending they are rats pretending they are Martians, and real Martians stirring the pot. As Freddy nearly is sent to Montana to become pork chops and bacon, everything hangs in the balance.

As always Walter Brooks' tales combine humor and suspense with a natural sense of values that apply equally to animal and man. If the science in this book is a bit silly it is still engaging enough for its intended readership. And the simple lessons of friendship and doing what is right never grow old.

The Best of Bean Sci-Fi
I was prejudiced against Bean's fifties incursion into space after the tedium of "Freddy and the Space Ship," but "Men from Mars" proved to be a surprisingly strong title. My six year old son laughed a lot and was thrilled when one of his favorite villains showed up. A good one! ... Read more

Book Description

"This is Mission Control.3...2...1...Blast Off!" Get ready to explore rockets, satellites, and outer space. You'll travel with the astronauts on their journeys beyond, and then return to earth-home sweet home.

With 75 full-color, reusable stickers and big, inviting full-color spreads to decorate in each and every book, Sticker Stories give young children the tools and freedom to create their own stories time and again. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It's a sticker book
I've said it before in other reviews of sticker books. If a 3 or 4 year old enjoys it, just pick a subject that interests them and I'm sure they will enjoy it. This had a lot of bare planetary landscapes and views of space. There was no story to follow.

Stickers not really reusable but otherwise excellent
This book is a space travel themed book which is one of many in a series, published by Grosset & Dunlap.

There are seven 2-page spreads, which consist of background for placing the stickers. Each spread has a few sentences to tell a story or guide the sticker placement. The backgrounds are creative and well done. There are backgrounds of space scenes with plants in the background, the surface of Mars, the surface of the Moon, the outside of a space station, and the launch pad area of American space stations. Stickers depict older rockets, modern space shuttles, astronauts, satellites, and various space vehicles.

The stickers are billed as "reusable". The stickers stick very well the first time around. A bonus "pro" is since they are "reusable" stickers, if they are accidentally stuck onto floors, walls, or furniture they remove easily and effortlessly. The "con" is that (after using 5 different books in this series and having this consistent in every book) I must say that once a sticker is peeled and placed in a different spot, it does not lie flat. The sticker curls at the edges and is a mess. This has frustrated and annoyed both of my children and I don't like activities that are supposed to be fun to end up causing tantrums and frustration--especially when it is caused by "false claims" by the publisher of the stickers being reusable! Also in the sticker removing process, they tend to tear, especially if the shape of the sticker has protruding parts or small pieces sticking out (vs. a simple shape of a planet or a long rocket shape which usually come off in one piece). The tearing occurs when I peel them as well as my young children. This tearing has resulted in tears and disaster-"my favorite space shuttle ripped---AAGHHH!"

The graphics themselves are high quality and I am happy with the book graphics and the sticker graphics. In case you are wondering about astronaut gender or race, all but two astronauts are wearing helmets so we can't see their race or gender. There are two with visible heads and they are clearly male, one Caucasian and one dark-skinned.

There are 75 stickers. If one were to buy 75 single use stickers of a theme without a book, the price would be higher than the price of this book with the stickers. I like the book and the stickers except for them being billed as "reusable" when they really are not. I'll rate it 4 stars since I really like the product but wish the stickers were more reusable than they are. The low price also is appreciated.

I did come up with an idea that once the stickers are shot, to discard them and you would end up with a blank book. You can then present this to your child and have them draw in the book with rockets or whatever they choose. ... Read more

Book Description

With Eyewitness Readers, children will learn to read ---- then read to learn! What does it take to hold down a job in zero gravity? Find out what it's really like to be an Astronaut: Living in Space. Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48--page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text.The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high--interest, easy--to--read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Space tale not just for kids
Linda is an astronaut. Her fourth mission involves repairing a telescope in outer space. Combining color photos and illustrations with a simple vocabulary makes this another winner in the DK Eyewitness Reader series. It can be easily accessed by those starting to read on their own. Fact boxes are scattered throughout the book and interesting space facts are on a separate page. The details of an astronaut's training and work are woven into a story which will hold the attention of almost any reader. ... Read more

Book Description

This lunar guide describes the folkloric names of twelve moons according to Native American tradition and showcases their defining characteristics in short verse and beautifully detailed hand-colored woodcuts.A question-and-answer section includes information about the moon's surface, an explanation of a lunar eclipse, and the true meaning of a blue moon. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Moon Lovers Everywhere.....
"Full moons come,/full moons go,/softening nights/with their silver glow./They pass in silence,/all untamed,/but as they travel,/they are named." Native Americans named each full moon after a special characteristic that the month brought. For instance, January was the Wolf Moon, because they believed wolves became restless in January, May was the Flower Moon, because that is when many flowers bloom, and October was the Hunter's Moon, because the moon rises early adding to the light of the setting sun and giving hunters extra time to hunt. Penny Pollack and Mary Azarian have authored a beautiful yearful of poetry, detailing the wonders and glories of the moon. Ms Pollacks gentle, quiet, original verses are eloquent and lyrical, and include the name of the month, the unique Native American moon name, and a simple explanation of the moon name. Ms Azarian's hand-painted woodcut illustrations of gorgeous nature scenes bathed in moonlight are evocative and offer a feast for the eyes. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, When The Moon Is Full includes an informative and entertaining two page spread of questions and answers about the moon, and is a lovely bedtime book the entire family can share and enjoy together.

A feast for the eyes and ears
This is a beautiful, evocative book with a great deal of heart. It is perfect for reading aloud, bedtime, or learning about the natural world around us (especially the moon!). Penny Pollock's beautifully rendered poems and Mary Azarian's exquisite paintings combine flawlessly to make this book a true gem. ... Read more

Book Description

Simple language and bold illustrations make this a fun and informative book about the sun. “Add this one to primary-grade science shelves.”--Booklist
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for young learners
I am a teacher and my students in first grade enjoyed this book. It enhances their interest in the solar system and provides easy-to-understand information about the closest star to our Earth. Illustrations are simple and aid in explaining science concepts to children. A great book for young learners. ... Read more

Book Description

Where does the word "planet" come from? How long is a year on Mercury? What is the temperature on Venus? Is Pluto really a planet? This new Level 2 All Aboard Reading book will answer these questions and more about the solar system. The information is completely up to date and accurate-a perfect introduction for young skywatchers. ... Read more

Book Description

The New York Public Library amazing space

Travel to distant galaxies and explore awesome constellations. Discover mysterious planets and catch a comet by the tail. Find the answers to your questions about the wonders of space . . .

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY's best-selling reference books include The New York Public Library Desk Reference, The New York Public Library Book of Answers, and The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference. ANN-JEANETTE CAMPBELL is the coauthor of The New York Public Library Incredible Earth.

Also in this series . . . The New York Public Library Incredible Earth ... Read more

Book Description

Ultimate Stickers Books make learning fun.

Each Ultimate Sticker Book presents an array of colorful, photographic stickers of baby animals or dinosaurs, the U.S. Presidents or the night sky -- there's something for everyone. Young children will love working with these durable, reusable stickers, and they can have fun using the stickers to make picture books and projects on their own. These entertaining books provide a hands-on way to explore new subjects. (And some of the stickers even glow in the dark!) Includes over 60 full-color, self-adhesive stickers. ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine a place where the atmospheric pressure is so great, a spaceship landing there would be crushed. A place where winds blow at speeds of over four hundred miles per hour. A place millions of miles from Earth, and completely unlike our own familiar world.

On December 7, 1995, the spacecraft Galileo arrived at Jupiter, the fifth and largest planet in our Solar System, to uncover some of its mysteries. Circling around the planet, Galileo sent back to Earth dramatic new information, including breathtaking photographs of the surface of Jupiter and its moons.

Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon examines these and other recent discoveries about Jupiter in this completely revised and updated book. With clear text and vivid photographs, he sheds light on such mysteries as Jupiter's Great Red Spot-a super hurricane big enough to hold two planet Earths inside-and discusses the possibility that life may exist on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons.

Join us on a journey to this strange yet beautiful place, so unlike our planet Earth. It is a fascinating distant world we are just beginning to explore.

Reviews (1)

Good book. Great information and pictures.
This book has fun and interesting information for any age readers. It also has great color pictures of the planet and moons! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a easy to read refrence
I use multiple copies of this text in my fifth grade class to teach landforms, and weather.This book is way better than any textbook I have ever seen.Each topic has full color pictures, and easy child friendly text.The key vocabulary words are in bold print, and the index makes for easy finding of information. The hard back has kept up well in my room this year, as it is treated like the other text books I issue the students (we all know what happens to those).I could not be more pleased with this book. I highly recomend this book to anyone researching physical science. ... Read more