Asteroids, Comets, and Meteoroids

April 1, 2008
Gr 2-3-These four introductions to heavenly bodies offer readers a basic, accurate understanding of their respective topics. "Asteroids" discusses the origins of, and differences among, three commonly confused objects. "Dwarf Planets" updates older views of the solar system by focusing on the recently reclassified Ceres, Pluto, and Eris. "Kuiper Belt" examines the little-known region out of which most comets come, and, in "Milky Way, " Howard looks beyond our home galaxy at black holes and galaxy types in general. Occasionally, difficult concepts aren't adequately explainedin "Milky Way, " for instance: "A black hole is not really a hole. It is an area of space with very strong gravity." Overall, though, the author presents the broad picture clearly, with a minimum of verbal or visual boilerplate, and every spread of each volume contains at least one labeled, captioned, and relevant color photo or artist's conception. All merit consideration as alternatives or companions to relevant titles in the "First Facts: The Solar System" (Capstone) and "True Books: Space" (Children's Press) series."John Peters, New York Public Library"

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July 1, 2008
Readers interested in outer space will enjoy learning about several lesser-known members of the universe in these bland but clear books. Each celestial object is explained using simple text and colorful satellite, telescopic, and computer-generated images. Students will learn what defines each subject and how scientists study them. Occasionally terms are explained too generally or not at all. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)