Uranus

Children's Literature

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun. It is the third largest planet in the solar system. Most planets spin like tops, but Uranus spins on its side. It is a gas giant like Jupiter and Saturn. Like the other gas giants, a spacecraft could not land on Uranus. Blue clouds cover the planet. It has at least 21 moons. This book is a Level 1 reader. This series, "Exploring the Galaxy," features photographs and informational graphics about subject matter that has always interested kids of all ages. An illustration of the solar system is the first graphic, showing the planets and their orbits around the Sun. The Sun is identified with a halo of yellow light and an arrow. The subject of each volume is also identified by name and with an arrow. The series supports national science standards and includes a word count and glossary. Words and phrases are repeated to help early readers. Additional reading suggestions are included as well as a link to FactHound, an Internet research system. 2004, Capstone Press, Ages 4 to 7.
— Kristin Harris

School Library Journal

Gr 1-2-It's never too soon to turn children's eyes skyward, but these primers illustrate the hazards of oversimplification. With an often-indistinguishable mix of photos, digitally manipulated pictures, and manufactured images, each title confines itself to placing its subject within the family of planets, and describing a handful of distinctive physical characteristics. Beginning readers are, however, more likely to be confused than enlightened by claims that Mercury has ice, but no water, and by these consecutive statements in Venus: "Thousands of craters cover Venus. Thick clouds made of acid cover Venus." Furthermore, the assertion that "people on Earth cannot easily see Uranus without a telescope" is incorrect, as that planet cannot be seen at all with unaided eyes, and "-volcanoes on Venus are no longer active" begs a question that is still very much open. All three volumes close with useful lists of current print titles and a link to a Web site. However, weighing in at less than 140 words each, these titles highlight the necessity of choosing those words more carefully.-John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.