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Book cover of Don't Know Much About Space
Reference - General & Miscellaneous, General & Miscellaneous Science, Astronomy

Don't Know Much About Space

by Kenneth C. Davis, Sergio Ruzzier
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Overview

  • If Earth is round, why don't people on the other side of the world fall off? (see page 26)
  • Is Mars red because it's embarrassed? (see page 49)
  • If black holes are invisible, how do we know they're there? (see page 86)

Using the popular style that has won millions of readers, best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis blasts off for the stars! With an entertaining question-and-answer format, amusing anecdotes, and fact-filled sidebars, he sets his sights on the mysteries of space.

Humorous illustrations, along with NASA photographs, add fun and excitement to this fascinating and comprehensive book. Davis takes you back to the time when the Babylonians first charted the stars — over three thousand years ago! You'll uncover amazing facts about the planets and stars, read how people were once convinced that Earth was the center of the universe, and discover how the experience of moonwalking astronauts may someday lead us to become pioneers on other planets.

This book is the perfect companion to Don't Know Much About® The Universe — and all the other books in the New York Times best-selling Don't Know Much About® series.

Synopsis

  • If Earth is round, why don't people on the other side of the world fall off? (see page 26)
  • Is Mars red because it's embarrassed? (see page 49)
  • If black holes are invisible, how do we know they're there? (see page 86)

Using the popular style that has won millions of readers, best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis blasts off for the stars! With an entertaining question-and-answer format, amusing anecdotes, and fact-filled sidebars, he sets his sights on the mysteries of space.

Humorous illustrations, along with NASA photographs, add fun and excitement to this fascinating and comprehensive book. Davis takes you back to the time when the Babylonians first charted the stars — over three thousand years ago! You'll uncover amazing facts about the planets and stars, read how people were once convinced that Earth was the center of the universe, and discover how the experience of moonwalking astronauts may someday lead us to become pioneers on other planets.

This book is the perfect companion to Don't Know Much About® The Universe — and all the other books in the New York Times best-selling Don't Know Much About® series.

ALA Booklist

“Davis' isn't-this-great-stuff perspective illuminates every page. ”

About the Author, Kenneth C. Davis

Kenneth C. Davis is the bestselling author of America's Hidden History and Don't Know Much About® History, which spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has sold nearly 1.6 million copies, and gave rise to his phenomenal Don't Know Much About® series for adults and children. He lives in New York City and Dorset, Vermont.

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Editorials

ALA Booklist

"Davis' isn't-this-great-stuff perspective illuminates every page. "

Children's Literature

Anyone who is interested in space will love this well-organized book of facts. Likewise, those with little knowledge about the universe will find themselves drawn into the quick explanations that cover phenomena, history, objects, myths, discoveries and everything else about space. The information is provided in short snippets that use understandable language so that readers won't be overwhelmed. Each bit of information is presented as the answer to a question, giving a comfortable feel of the book. There are five general chapters in the book, which cover the history of astronomy, the sun, the weather in space, the size of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. A chronology of space milestones and a glossary of terms are included at the end. Adults can fill in the gaps of their own knowledge as they share this book with children. Part of the "Don't Know Much about" series. 2001, HarperCollins, $19.95, $19.89, and $6.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer:Carol Lynch

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Having scored hits with five "Don't Know Much About" books for adults, Davis goes for a younger audience, laying out basic knowledge with a combination of breezy questions and answers punctuated by boxed asides, quotations, or biographical sketches. He also includes lighthearted pop quizzes along the lines of: "The Amazon River gets its name from a group of legendary Greek: a) warriors b) Internet companies c) river boats d) water gods." In Planet Earth he discusses the physical and political geography of each continent, scattering memorable facts and (usually) clever jokes throughout ("How are deserts like desserts?" "Deserts, like apple pie, can be served hot or cold"). In Space he takes on stars, the solar system, the history and structure of the universe, space exploration, black holes, dark matter, the search for life on other planets, and more. Bloom's cartoon drawings add further humorous notes to Planet Earth, but it lacks some much-needed maps; in Space, Ruzzier's somewhat more sophisticated but still decorative art is supplemented by several photos and photo-realist paintings. Few readers will come away from these books without having been amazed or amused, but considering the array of more systematic, better-illustrated books available on the topics, they are supplementary purchases at best.-John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Book Details

Published
August 1, 2001
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Pages
144
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780064408356

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