This non-fiction picture book about the solar system discusses the sun, planets, moons and other solar system phenomena in easy to comprehend elementary language. It is perfect for ages 6-10 and would be enjoyed among 1st through 4th graders. It draws attention to important vocabulary that is notated with bold text. The pictures in the book successfully illustrate how the planets differ in size from one another as well as the orbit of our planets around the sun. However, I found the book to be too text heavy, and it lacked engaging illustrations and infographics that could have further engaged the readers. I did enjoy how in each chapter, they mentioned how many times planet Earth would fit into our larger planets to show the immense size of them. ( )

Summary of Book
This solar system book is full of facts and amazing pictures. The book begins with the creation of our solar system in the Milky Way Galaxy. It then travels from the sun through all of the planets highlighting each planets key elements and features. After all 8 planets it discusses Pluto and other dwarf planets including asteroids and comets. There were many facts I was unaware of including the Neptune is blue because the methane in its atmosphere absorbs red light from the sun and reflects it as blue. This is a great book for early astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

Personal Reaction to the book
I enjoyed reading this book it is full of many facts I wasn't aware of. If there was one subject I feel lacking in astronomy would be it. I plan on taking a course to ensure I am up to date on the newest discoveries and regularly read NASA news.

Classroom Extension Ideas
1. In the classroom, For younger students the book could be broken apart into lessons on each planet with a 3D model solar system for show to allow students to see the solar system in motion.
2. In the classroom, For older students have them create a solar system model for a grade the students can be creative and create the model from any materials. ( )

This is an updated version which explains the Pluto issue. It's the copy my library has. I thought the photos were gorgeous, but the text rather dry - hard going as a leisure read, but an excellent resource for a research report or a child who's really into space. I learned a couple of things. ( )

"Our Solar System" is a great book about the planets in our solar system but also touches on the many different moons, asteroids, and comets. This is one of the few children's books that incorporates more than just the planets. It covers many of the other things one might find in the solar system. The author uses very simple language which helps with the clarification of the book. The photos are captivating and beautiful. ( )

This book gives great detail about each 8 planets, asteroids, stars, moons, comets, and so on. I would recommend this book to anyone who is doing a project on the solar system or fond about planets and what they are made of. Simon tells of each planets function, weather, size, and the planets order around the sun. I did not know that the sun is not the biggest star. I assumed it was, since all other planets orbit around the sun. I would use this book in a class setting when students are learning about the solar system. The images are what I think children would love the most, actually seeing the planets they are learning about. ( )