Ten Worlds - Hardcover

Ken Croswell earned a PhD in astronomy at Harvard University. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including See the Stars: Your First Guide to the Night Sky published by Boyds Mills Press. His books for adults include The Alchemy of the Heavens, a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist; Planet Quest, a New Scientist bestseller and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year; and Magnificent Universe, a New Scientist bestseller. He has written numerous articles about astronomy for Highlights for Children, the New York Times, Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, and New Scientist. He lives in Berkeley, California.

* On the basis of its striking design and photographs, this handsome, large-format volume is well worthy of praise. And astronomer Croswell's (See the Stars) concise yet conversational, information-packed text wins it sky-high accolades in the narrative sphere as well. As the author takes readers on an elucidating tour of the solar system - traveling outwards from the sun - brilliantly colored photos of each planet and of their moons (mostly NASA shots) pop dramatically from a black background, while the text appears against pastel-toned panels. Croswell authoritatively explains the physical characteristics, temperature and atmospheric makeup of the planets; tells how they were named; examines comets, meteors and asteroids; and details the knowledge gleaned from spacecrafts' photographs and specific astronomers' discoveries. He confidently puts forth his own theories (he believes in the theory that an asteroid killed off the dinosaurs and allowed other forms of live to evolve, including humans). Timely references to recently launched spacecraft and their missions, and an intriguing look at ''the tenth planet'' (discovered in 2005, the planet takes 559 years to orbit the sun), attest to the book's relevance. Colorful, accessible analogies abound: remarking that stars shine during the day as well as the night, yet are washed out by sunlight, Croswell notes, ''In the same way, you can't hear a soft flute when a loud car goes by.'' Concluding with charts that handily round up statistics about the planets and their moons, this eye-opening book will feed kids' curiosity about the worlds beyond earth. Ages 6-up. --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

With breathtaking, beautifully reproduced images from NASA, astronomer Croswell introduces the newest version of our solar system...The tone is informal, but the text includes a wealth of information, appropriate comparisons and good transitions; many words are defined in context...teachers and middle-grade readers will welcome this informative visual feast. --Kirkus Reviews

Astronomer Ken Croswell has created a stunning, easy-to-read book on our solar system. The author defines the solar system as the sun and all the things that go around it such as planets, their moons, comets, and asteroids. The author starts this story from the sun, and moves out to the extremes of space. He begins with simple facts and easy-to-observe points, then expands to what has been learned from study and exploration. The volume is up-to-date with a chapter on the newly discovered 10th planet. The author is careful to distinguish theory from fact while sharing his knowledge of the solar system. The color paintings and photographs, many of which have been taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, bring out the wonder and beauty of our solar system while the text of this book fascinates with the mysteries. The last chapter on the birth of the solar system paints a vivid picture of our beginning. The volume has three easy-to-use tables that make statistical comparisons of the planets, seven large moons, and the first four asteroids simple. It also has a list of extreme facts. This book is recommended for its spectacular visual display and compelling words. Index. Recommended. --Library Media Connection