This would be a great book to read to first or second graders to introduce the solar system (and it's new enough that the explain why Pluto isn't a planet any longer). The main character is also an African American woman and the kids show diversity which is nice to see. The book explains which planets you need a telescope to see and which you can see with your bare eyes. It briefly talks about how the moon is the Earth's satellite, asteroids, comets, and the differences between them. The book also explains the different temperatures on the planets and what would happen if our planet was in their places. It finishes by talking about the size of planets and explaining why the Earth is the perfect planet for us! After the story is over, it gives a few suggestions on activities that kids could do! ( )

This book is an informational book on the planets and our solar system.

Age: 5

Source: Pierce County Library

Read about the eight planets in our solar system and Earth's special place in it.

Nonfiction; Concept Book; This is a great text for teaching about the solar system. The illustrations are cartoons but the actual planet photos are real life which I feel enhances learning. I like how the book was organized, the author started by talking about the sun and then talked in depth about each planet. The main point of this text is to inform students about the solar system.

Title: The Planets in Our Solar System
Author: Franklyn M. Branley
Summary:
“The Planets in Our Solar System” is a book about the nine planets. It gives pictures and facts of each planet. The book also contains facts about the other parts of the solar system- comets, meteoroids, and asteroids.
Personal Reaction:
I absolutely loved this book. My favorite collage course that I have taken thus far is Physical Science, where I was able to learn parts of Astronomy. I would definitely recommend this book and I will have it in my own personal library.
Extensions:
1) I will bring out the planetarium and have all of the children lay on their backs and help point out the different planets.
2) The students will split up into groups and each group will create a planet. We will bring them all together to create our own solar system. Each group will be required to tell me about their planet. ( )