Synopsis
Why Is the Sun So Bright? Follow the pathway across each page to find out which planets are the largest, why Mars is called the Red Planet, what deep space is, why there is life on Earth, and much, much more!
Cara Mulcahy - Children's Literature
One of the books in the "What, Where, Why?" series, this book is a great way to introduce children to the solar system. As with other books in this series, the table of contents poses eight questions each of which are answered in subsequent sections. Easy to follow, young readers are provided with an engaging reading experience as they learn about the sun, the moon, the stars and the planets. Children read about the importance of the sun to our planet and the role it plays in the solar system. Readers learn which of the planets in the solar system has a poisonous atmosphere. The author explains which of the planets is nicknamed the red planet and how it got that nickname. Children discover that earth is not the only planet with volcanoes and they learn about the climate and the size of the planets as well as how far each one is from the sun and the characteristics that make each one unique. Similar to other books in the series, each section is colorfully illustrated with lively photographs, and illustrations which interact with the text in a way that is inviting to the reader. Children have the opportunity to engage with the text as the questions posed on one page are usually answered on the next. Each section also asks a trivia question about the solar system. To find the answers readers must refer to the page number provided. The author provides readers with an index and glossary as well as a table of contents. A user-friendly book for younger readers, this book could be incorporated into a classroom library or a social studies or science unit. 2003, Garth Stevens Publishing, Ages 4 to 7.