Synopsis
A straightforward introduction to Earth and its place in the solar system. The book deals with the planets in the solar system and the moon, comparing and contrasting them with the Earth.
Children's Literature
Stating that space begins 621 miles above your head, but nobody knows where it ends, Peter Riley orients us. A tiny red dot locates the sun in a spiral galaxy. Terms are introduced in order, defined and built upon. Bright drawings and photographs, which stand out against white space, show the unique orbits of each planet in our solar system. "Straightforward science" (series title) makes it clear how the movements of the Earth and our moon bring seasons and eclipses. Asteroids, comets, meteors and meteorites complete the discussion. Well-chosen photographs make the adventure of people in space real and exciting. Captions in italics separate information about pictures from that in the text. Blue dots enclose boxes that contain suggestions that will challenge the young reader to investigate!