Reference Sunday: 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System

Growing up the only thing I remembered about the planets was the sentence we were taught to remember them.   It went something like this: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles ---Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.   Then a few years ago I remember feeling bad because "Pluto" was no longer considered a planet, which totally made my sentence obsolete.   In doing some research  for information about last night's "supermoon"  I came across this book from National Geographic about 13 Planets which intrigued me because I couldn't understand how we went from 8 planets to 13 in a short amount of time.   Luckily this book is a great way to explain to kids how this happened.

13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar and published by National Geographic kids was just published this month.   It explains how Pluto came back into the planetary fold and how there are a few more just like it.   It groups the planets into different types and explains the history of their names and where they are located.   It also talks about the sun, astroid belts and the moons of each planet.   I found it really interesting and well written.   It doesn't talk down to a child (or a grown up who is science handicapped).  It is written for an older child ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can certainly learn from it too.   A great book to get ---- before the Astronomy community changes their mind again.    

Flashback Tuesday: The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis

Today is the birth anniversary of the great astronomer Galileo.  

The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis is a great way to introduce this historic figure to a child.   While the book is a picture book and is supposedly geared towards ages 4-8 year olds, I think it is more for an older child.   The story of Galileo is fascinating, he led a complicated life but Mr Sis is able to write this biography in a way that brings it down to a child's level.   The illustrations are also wonderful, it wasn't surprising that Peter Sis got the Caldecott Honor for them.   I have always said that there are different kinds of picture books.   There are picture books meant to be read to the very young and then there books like The Starry Messenger that are for older kids.   These picture books for older children are meant to help children really visualize a subject.   They are just as important as a chapter book.   All kids are different in the way they learn so there should be something for everyone.    Like I said earlier this book is the perfect way to introduce a complicated subject to a child....it is a beautiful stepping stone for the starry eyed child in your life....  

Books About the Stars!

Recently a very dear friend emailed me with a request for help in looking for a gift for a little girl.   Seems this little 4 year old is fascinated by the night sky and the stars.   I love when kids like things we never expect them to like.   I know there are more children out there who interested in this so I thought I would post the book suggestions I gave my friend.   I won't tell you what she picked....as I don't want to spoil the surprise.




There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars by Bob Crelin from Sky Publishing.   What I liked about this book was the environmental aspect of the book.   Plus it is really pretty.








The Stars by H.A. Rey which is the classic night sky book by the author of Curious George.   It has been updated so the information is more current .









Kids Book of the Night Sky by Ann Love and illustrated by Heather Collins from Kids Can Press is meant for an older child but is great to read to younger children too.    I like that it is not just a book of the constellations but has legends and myths about the sky and lots of great activities.   This is a perfect book for a family with different age ranges as there is something for everyone.






Everything Kids Astronomy Book by Kathi Wagner from   Adams Media is also a great reference book to have in the house.   I have always liked this series of books.






Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and illustrated by Christina Balit from National Geographic is beautifully illustrated book that points out the animal constellations in the sky.




These are just a few books I picked out that might appeal to a young child....let the gift buying begin!

Happy Birthday Copernicus!

Today is the great Copernicus' birthday. He is the one who figured out that the Earth is not the center of the universe.

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth is a Planet by Dennis B. Fradin & illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler is a great picture book that tells in simple language the story of his life. I loved the illustrations which are more like oil paintings. This is great book to introduce Copernicus to anyone who wants to know more about the origins of astronomy.