You live on Earth, so you already know a lot about it. But do you know about its place in out solar system? For instance, it's not the largest planet. If Jupiter were a hallow ball, 1,000 Earths would fit inside it. And did you know our planet Earth takes 365 days to go around the sun, while the planet Pluto takes 248 years?

This simple text by Franklyn M. Branely introduces the nine planets in our solar system and is complemented by Kevin O'Malley's full-color illustrations, which incorporate some of the newest space photographs available.

Reviews

Gr 1-3 Written in simple language and a sprightly style, this book provides an introduction to the solar system. Branley defines basic concepts such as earth, sun, moon, satellites, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. Diagrams show the orbits of planets; a chart lists how long each takes to go around the sun. The text mentions the distance of each planet from the sun, then uses simple examples to show how this affects plant and animal life. The final pages give directions for two projects: a mobile showing the relative sizes of planets and a wall chart marking their distance from the sun. A revision of the 1981 edition, this new book adds the temperature of Venus, changes the temperature of Mercury, and increases the number of satellites for Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. It leaves out a chart giving actual diameters and mean distances from the sun; the rounded figures continue to appear in the text. More dramatically, this edition capitalizes on increased use of color in the illustrations. Not only does this mean greater visual appeal, but diagrams and charts gain in clarity. Straightforward, fact-filled, and fun. Ellen D. Warwick, formerly at Thompson School, Arlington, Mass.