My First Book of Planets: All About the Solar System for Kids

This is a fabulous 68-page book for children 3-5 years old by Bruce Betts, Ph.D., a planetary scientist who is also a children's book author. Dr. Betts is the chief scientist and LightSoil program manager for The Planetary Society, a renown, international society for space-exploration enthusiasts. Having purchased and read this work, I will definitely look for other titles on the planetary sciences by Betts. Though intended for kids 3-5 years old, in my opinion this book would also be suitable for children up to 7 years old. The book is available in Kindle, hardcover ($11.66), paperback ($6.74), and spiral-bound ($9.48) editions, but I strongly recommend purchasing the hardbound book which is the most durable for repeated readings, and this is a book that is bound to be read again and again. The book presents basic planetary concepts with simple explanations in age-appropriate text accompanied by black-and-white and color images. I concur with other reviewers who mentioned that the quality of the images is somewhat wanting, but I do not feel this shortcoming is serious enough to deter purchases. Betts has sections on the terrestrial or "rocky" planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), the giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), and the dwarf planets (Pluto [which was downgraded from a planet, as explained by Betts], Eris, Haumea, and Makemake). Each planet's text includes a sidebar that answers questions on the size of the planet, how far it is from the sun, and how many moons it has. In addition, terminology such as spacecraft, the atmosphere, the sun, the solar system, the term "orbit," and asteroids and the asteroid belt are addressed. Fun facts that will delight children and hold their attention include 1) the rocky planets are closest to the sun, 2) Jupiter has at least 79 moons, 3) "If you think of the Moon as a tennis ball, then the Earth would be a little bigger than a basketball," and 4) Saturn's rings are made of dirty snowballs, some of which are as small as a snowflake and some bigger than a school bus. Betts thorough text is more than worth the price of the book, but he also includes a glossary for quick references. At the end of the book are 5 pages where children are encouraged to draw a planet. This outstanding primer both educates children and prompts their imaginations. Very highly recommended!

Fun facts and beautiful photos for a preschool kid who is interested in all things related to space.

This is an easy read book about planets. Kids can read it.

My kid has ADHD and this book keeps it to the point and interesting. I didn’t think he’d be that interested, but he’s actually learning.

Great educational book. We love it.

Nice book

Who doesn't want to learn about the planets!? I love the handleability for young learners. The pictures of the planets are so well presented. There is so much to learn. This book sparks conversations. You can create demonstrations to show your child or students how the planets revolve around the sun, how fast, how far, the different moons, how many planets there are, even the now defunct "Pluto", and why.

This is a wonderful book for the beginning reader to learn about the solar system!

This is a great book short but informative

Good book for children 👌

El libro llegó en perfecto estado y a mi hijo y a mí nos encanta cómo viene explicado y las fotos que tiene. Estupendo.

Nice book I understand it and very nice

Wonderful little book