The First Big Book of Space by Catherine Hughes is a wonderful, kid-friendly introduction to our solar system. This hardcover, 128-page book uses a format with plenty of illustrations and photos to engage your young ones.
Five chapters explain familiar objects first (sun, moon and earth) and then move out into the solar system Looking Up From Earth, Earth's Neighborhood, Earth's Other Neighbors, Far Far Away, and Exploring Space. Throughout the chapters you will find fact boxes that give an overview of each topic, Pop-Up Facts that offer added information to the main text, beautiful art, photos, and illustrations with labeling for your visual young learner. Questions are also scattered through the chapters for discussion points or an extension of the content. Expand your child's astronomy vocabulary with the terms that are introduced throughout; the glossary (at the back) lists them alphabetically with short definitions. Rounding out the chapters is a two-page map of the solar system that can be used to see planet order, practice naming the planets, and to see the different planet categories rocky, gas, and dwarf.
The text is simply written for easier understanding, and for beginning readers. If your child isn't reading yet, this is a good parent read-aloud. The information is solid and fact-based with no theory interjection. Two pages of Parent Tips are offered at the back of the book to build on the information presented nine activities in all. Some fun options include watching the sunrise together, observing the movement of the sun, following the phases of the moon, learning the poem "Star Light, Star Bright," and more. "To infinity and beyond" with your little space explorers. ~ Donna