The Sun

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

Bright, clear photographs and diagrams are paired with simple sentences in this fine introduction to the sun. The book is divided into four sections, and the reader will learn that the sun is a star, that it is the center of the solar system and is much bigger than the planets, that "plants need sunlight to grow," and several more facts. Some photos show the sun in the sky while others are close-ups of its surface. There are nine terms defined in the glossary. Among them are "solar system" and "gas." According to the Note to Parents and Teachers, this series "supports national science standards related to earth science." Roger D. Launius, PhD, who is Chair, Division of Space History at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, is the series' consultant. Part of the "Exploring the Galaxy" series for beginning readers, this will be popular with primary grade students. In addition to a Glossary, this includes an Index, a brief bibliography, and Internet sites accessed through FactHound. This series might also be useful for ESOL students who are just learning to read English.