Nicely illustrated picture book that introduces the changing nature of our cosmology. Most major historical scientists that contributed to our changing understanding of the nature of the universe are referenced, but they are not named--but it will be obvious to the parent who is Newton, Galileo, etc. Good for younger children to introduce the idea that we have not always understood things the same way as we do now, and that our current understanding might change too.

Back matter includes a brief timeline (with named historical figures) and a "for more information" section & bibliography ( )

This is a fairly simple examination of how theories of the solar system have evolved over time. While there is nothing really out of the ordinary, it could be a nice introduction to younger readers, especially to show how science is based on evidence known at the time; as more is known, the related theories and ideas change with it. I particularly like how the author mentions that our ideas about the solar system will continue to change as we learn more about it (her example of Pluto likely will ring true for older readers). She also includes a succinct timeline at the end, which mentions specific names that were left out of the actual book. ( )

The prominent message of this informational book was that human improvements and knowledge occurs when we learn from our mistakes, along with a goal to inform. I personally enjoyed the book for two main reasons; the author takes a difficult topic and successfully makes it into an interesting story that kept me hooked as a reader and the author’s strategic use of diagrams, timelines, and illustrations. The author recites important facts in a clever way, for example, adding dialogue on page 17 to help explain how astrologists exiled Pluto as a planet, “Astronomer took a vote. “”No,”” they said, “”Pluto is just a dwarf planet.”” Also, after explaining a human mistake, such as when humans thought the Earth was the center of the universe on page 7, the author repeatedly ends with a “Boy, were they wrong about our solar system” which reinforces to the reader the relevance of the title and message of the story. The author also mentions laws discovered by famous people, such as Isaac Newton, but does not mention their names directly in the story, but on a timeline located at the end of the book. I believed this to be a benefit because it forces the reader to research further beyond the book. I also enjoyed the author including illustrations and labeling the process of a putting a probe on Mars. For example, When the probe lands on mars, “A bumpy landing”, we see an illustration of a collection of balloons to help cushion the probes landing. ( )

We were very wrong about the world beyond the stars but with new discoveries we have come very far. I enjoyed this book. It was a great informational text that did not lose my attention due to the awesome graphics by John Rocco. The book takes you on the journey throughout history and the innovations and discoveries that Man has made regarding the solar system. It looks more like a comic book with the integrated illustrations with the text. And to make it a little more special it tells the reader that one day they may find a new discovery about what the stars will hold. I think the moral of this story is to never stop asking questions and digging for the truth. There once was a time when everyone thought the earth was flat and now there could be life on other planets! ( )

"Boy, Were We Wrong about the Solar System" written by Kathleen Kudlinski, is about the history of and theories surrounding space exploration. The author has great illustrations and gives such a wonderful explanation of the history of space as humans have learned it. She also lists a brief timeline history of how we discovered space etc..at the end of the story. A great activity to do with students for this book would be to have them draw their favorite planet and list one characteristic about that planet. Another activity would be to have the students write a passage about what they think it would be like to travel to space. ( )